Ibadan is full of stories, both old and new. On a recent trip, I visited a few places that stood out to me, not because they were flashy, but because they made me pause and think. If you ever find yourself in Ibadan, here are five places you might want to check out.
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UI Zoo
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The University of Ibadan Zoo has been around since 1948. It is one of the oldest zoos in Nigeria. At first, it may look like a normal zoo, but there is something special about the way it feels. Once you walk in, everything slows down. The place is quiet, clean, and surrounded by tall trees. You can walk around calmly without any rush or noise.
Inside the zoo, you will find different animals like lions, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and birds. Some animals are active and playful, while others just rest and mind their business. The cages are well-spaced, and the whole area is easy to move around.
But what makes the zoo feel different is not just the animals. It’s the environment. You hear the soft sounds of birds singing in the trees. You feel the breeze moving gently through the leaves. Then suddenly, a loud scream from a baboon breaks the silence and reminds you that you are still very much in the wild.
It’s a peaceful place to visit, whether you are going alone, with friends, or with family. You don’t need to be in a hurry. Just walk slowly, watch the animals, and enjoy the natural surroundings. The zoo is not just a place to see animals—it’s a place to relax and connect with nature.
Eleyele Lake
Eleyele Lake is one of the calmest and most peaceful places I have visited in Ibadan. It was created in the 1940s and was originally meant to serve the city. Today, it is mostly used by local fishermen and as a quiet tourist spot. Even though it is close to busy roads and city life, the lake feels like a different world.
One thing I enjoyed most during my visit was the pedal boat! I pedal the boat myself with my friends on board and we droved to the middle of the lake, slowly!
When you get there, everything slows down. You can sit by the water for hours, just watching the gentle waves and feeling the breeze. It’s not a place for noise or activities. It’s a place for thinking, resting, and enjoying the silence.
Sometimes you’ll see fishermen casting their nets or local children walking along the edge. But most of the time, the lake just sits there, still and quiet. And somehow, that stillness helps clear your mind.
People say water has memory. After spending time at Eleyele, I understand why. It feels like the lake holds onto every peaceful moment, every quiet visitor, and every deep breath. You may not do much there, but you’ll leave feeling lighter and more relaxed.
Layipo Hill
Layipo Hill has a small tower on top that no one really understands. Some say it was a colonial watch post, others believe it has spiritual meaning. Climbing the hill is a bit of work, but when you reach the top, the view of Ibadan is worth it. It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’re looking at the whole city at once.
No one really knows who built it or why. Some people say it was used during the colonial period as a watch post. Others believe it has spiritual or cultural meaning. The truth is, no one can say for sure.
Climbing the hill takes some effort. The path is a bit steep, and you might get tired halfway, but if you keep going, the reward is waiting at the top. Once you reach the top of Layipo Hill, you can see almost all of Ibadan. Houses, trees, roads, and distant hills stretch out in every direction.
It’s the kind of view that makes you stop and think. You feel small, but not in a bad way. It reminds you that the world is big and full of possibilities. It’s peaceful up there too. The wind is cool, the noise of the city feels far away, and for a moment, everything feels calm.
Layipo Hill may not be famous, but it has something special. If you ever want to see Ibadan from a different angle, this is a good place to start.
Cocoa House
Cocoa House is the tallest building in Ibadan and was once the tallest in West Africa. It was built in 1965 with money made from cocoa. That alone makes it special. It caught fire years ago but was later restored. Today, it still stands strong as a symbol of what was possible before oil became everything.
Cocoa House is more than just the tallest building in Ibadan. It is a strong symbol of a time when Nigeria’s economy was powered by agriculture, not oil. Located in the center of the city, it stands tall and proud with a rich story behind it.
The building was completed in 1965. It was built with money made from cocoa, which was one of Nigeria’s biggest exports at the time. Farmers across the Western Region grew cocoa, and the income from selling it was used to fund many important projects. Cocoa House was one of those projects. At the time it was built, it was not only the tallest in Ibadan but the tallest building in all of West Africa.
Years later, the building caught fire and was badly damaged. Many people saw this as a sad sign of lost glory. But instead of letting it fall apart, it was repaired and brought back to life. Today, it still stands tall, showing the strength and pride of the people who built it.
Before Nigeria became focused on oil, regions like the West grew through farming. Cocoa House is a reminder of those days when hard work and smart use of resources led to real progress. It shows what can be achieved when people come together with a clear goal.
Cocoa House is not just part of Ibadan’s skyline. It is part of its history and spirit.
Oodua Museum and Hall of Fame
Inside Cocoa House is a museum dedicated to Yoruba kings, leaders, and legends. There are photos, artifacts, and stories that remind you where we’re coming from. It’s not a big space, but it carries weight. You walk through it and feel the history.
There are also old artifacts on display (things like royal staffs, traditional clothing, weapons, and tools). Each item tells a story, not just about the person who used it, but about the time they lived in.
Article: Exploring the Oodua Museum Inside Cocoa House – Africa’s First Skyscraper
The museum space itself is not very large, but it doesn’t need to be. Every corner is filled with meaning. As you walk through, you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder that the Yoruba people have a long, rich history that should be known, respected, and remembered.
This museum is not loud or flashy, but it carries a quiet strength. If you pay attention, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of where we’re coming from (and maybe even where we’re going)
Conclusion
These places reminded me that Ibadan has more to offer than traffic and noise. It has layers, some loud, some quiet. If you’re ever in the city, take time to explore. You might see something different from what you expected.
You can also check out other places I’ve explored in Oyo state in general.
Read More
- THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ibadan (2025) – TA
- 6 Interesting places I visited in Ibadan – Faithooo
- Tourist Sites – Oyo State Tourism
- Things to Do in Ibadan in 2025 – Exp.
- Cocoa House – WP
- Cocoa House: The Story of Nigeria’s First Skyscraper – SimplVest
- Cocoa House Ibadan: The first skyscraper in West Africa – DCL
- Eleyele Lake – GS
