Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders Begins Renovation of Historic Ijebu Igbo Town Hall

The Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders has commenced repair and rehabilitation work on the historic Ijebu-Igbo Townhall following years of erosion, structural degradation and repeated damage caused by severe thunderstorms.

The Townhall, managed by the Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders, remains an important landmark and gathering centre for the people of Ijebu-Igbo. The ongoing rehabilitation is being supervised by a committee led by its Secetary, Otunba Remi Ogunbanjo.

Despite the challenges confronting the historic structure, the committee has continued efforts to keep the building standing. The roof has reportedly been blown off more than five times in the past two years due to heavy thunderstorms, adding to the deterioration of the building.

The Council of Elders and the rehabilitation committee have continued to emphasise the importance of preserving the historic building, stressing that the labour and contributions of past generations must not be allowed to go in vain.

Special appreciation has also been extended to the former Chairman of Ijebu North Local Government, Otunba Barrister Ajibola Kalejaiye, for adding value to the structure and contributing to its improvement during his tenure.

The historic Ijebu-Igbo Townhall was constructed and commissioned in 1955 during the reign of the late Oba Joel Adeboye, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo.

The iconic building was initially used by the then Local Council as an administrative office and has remained an important landmark in the history and development of Ijebu-Igbo.

Despite its age and the challenges posed by erosion and repeated storm damage, the Townhall continues to serve the community and remains a symbol of Ijebu-Igbo’s rich heritage.

Recently, the historic Townhall hosted a significant meeting involving Concerned Ijebu-Igbo Youths, officials of the IBEDC Ijebu-Igbo Distribution Hub, Chairmen of the Community Development Committees (CDC), representatives of the Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders and other dignitaries.

The continued use of the historic facility for important community engagements further highlights its relevance to the people of Ijebu-Igbo.

There is a proposal to build a bigger and more modern town hall on the available land space within the compound. However, the Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders has continued to ensure that the existing town hall is properly managed, maintained and protected from damage.

The little funds generated from renting and using the hall are being used to maintain the building. The funds have helped with painting, repairs and other renovation works.

Recently, erosion began affecting the later part of the building, especially the foundation. This prompted the Council to take action by renovating the affected areas and resurfacing the building’s foundation to protect the historic structure.

The Ijebu-Igbo Town Hall is not just an ordinary building; it is a place filled with history. Historically, the Ijebu North Secretariat started its activities from the Town Hall before eventually moving to the main Secretariat building that exists today.

Over the years, the Town Hall has hosted many important meetings, ceremonies and community occasions. It remains an important part of the history and development of Ijebu-Igbo.

The hall is still available for rent and can be used for meetings, events, ceremonies and other approved activities.

The Ijebu-Igbo Council of Elders has once again demonstrated its commitment to preserving the ancient Town Hall and ensuring that the building continues to serve the people for many more years.

Their efforts show that preserving our history is not only about remembering the past, but also about taking action to protect what our community has inherited.

As rehabilitation efforts continue and plans for a new Townhall progress, the preservation of this historic structure remains important to the community’s identity and heritage.

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