In a recent post on social media platform X, renowned author and political commentator Reno Omokri addressed misconceptions surrounding the architectural aesthetics of Ibadan, shedding light on the city’s rich history and unique rustic charm.
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Omokri’s response was prompted by a post from a user, @igbo_marry_igbo, questioning the prevalence of homes with rustic roofs in Ibadan and attributing it to dilapidation.
In his detailed response, Omokri clarified that the rustic roofs are intentional and are part of the city’s historical and cultural significance.
“Ibadan is the third oldest city in Nigeria after Benin and Kano. It is also the largest city in West Africa. The government of the Western Region of Nigeria established by-laws to protect the rustic nature of Ibadan. The Oyo state government retained those laws,” Omokri explained.
The term ‘rustic’ was emphasized by Omokri, signifying a rural charm that predates the modern era. He drew parallels with Oxford and Cambridge in the United Kingdom and Tuscany in Italy, where rustic buildings are highly valued for their ancient nature.
Omokri further educated on the historical context, mentioning that many of the homes now perceived as dilapidated were constructed at a time when there were no modern buildings in the region. He pointed out that structures like Mapo Hall, built in 1925, and Cocoa House, the first skyscraper in West Africa constructed in 1964, contribute to the city’s architectural legacy.
The post highlighted Ibadan’s cultural and historical significance, attracting tourists who appreciate the value of these rustic buildings. Omokri underlined that Ibadan city alone welcomes more tourists annually than an entire region, emphasizing the appeal of the city’s unique charm.
“Ibadan also has the first TV station in Africa, the Western Nigeria Television Service, built in 1959, in addition to the first university in Nigeria, established in 1948,” Omokri added, showcasing the city’s pioneering achievements in various fields.
Read his full statement below.
Dear @igbo_marry_igbo,
Thank you for your post. The reason Ibadan has a lot of homes with rustic roofs is not because they are dilapidated. Dilapidated means in a state of disrepair. These homes are not in states of disrepair. They are rustic. Rustic means having a rural charm that is pre modern.
To give you an insight, Ibadan is the third oldest city in Nigeria after Benin and Kano. It is also the largest city in West Africa. The government of the Western Region of Nigeria established by-laws to protect the rustic nature of Ibadan. The Oyo state government retained those laws. What that means is that you cannot build or rebuild these structures without express planning permission. The intention is to retain the rustic charm of Ibadan.
If you travel to Oxford and Cambridge, or if you Google images from those two university towns, you will also find rustic buildings. Tuscany in Italy is another place with a rustic charm. A rustic building is actually more valuable than a brand-new modern building, because of its ancient nature.
A lot of these homes you now call dilapidated were built at a time when there was no single modern building in a particular region of Nigeria. As at the time Ibadan residents were dwelling in these rustic homes, residents in that region were naked and dwelling in mud huts. I have multiple photos, if you would care to see them. But please do not insult me, because I did not take them.
Mapo Hall, Ibadan, which is one of these brown-roofed rustic buildings you now insult, was built in 1925. It is ninety-nine years old. In 1925, only Northern Nigeria, Lagos, Badagry, Calabar, Ota, Port Harcourt, Warri and Benin had modern buildings.
When you do not have ancient rustic buildings in your community or region, you can be forgiven if you do not know their value and call them dilapidated. Ibadan also has the first skyscraper in West Africa-Cocoa House, built in 1964, as well as the first TV station in Africa, the Western Nigeria Television Service, built in 1959, in addition to the first university in Nigeria, established in 1948.
Ibadan city alone attracts more tourists annually than one entire region that I would prefer not to mention. They come to see the rustic buildings you call dilapidated. They visit without being molested or kidnapped. And they are welcome every day, including MONDAY!
Thanks again, and may God bless you.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
