Once a symbol of power and pride atop Ibadan’s iconic Agodi Hill, the Oyo State Government House now stands as a shadow of its former self. The historic estate, which has served as the official residence for top political leaders from the colonial era to present-day Nigeria, is now in an advanced state of decay, sparking calls for urgent intervention.
Constructed to reflect the authority of the Western Region and its successors—Western State, old Oyo, and now modern Oyo—the Government House has hosted colonial administrators like Sir John Rankine, governors, presidents, and dignitaries. Yet, despite its rich legacy, years of abandonment and neglect have left the once-grand estate in ruins.
The building’s decline became especially pronounced during the 8-year administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the current tenure of Governor Seyi Makinde, who is now in his sixth year in office. A recent assessment of the facility paints a grim picture—crumbling walls, sagging ceilings, weather-damaged roofs, and widespread infrastructural collapse. The once-bustling premises are now eerily silent, overtaken by overgrowth and rodents.
The mosque and chapel on the grounds are faded and cracked. The visitors’ reception area and clinic barely function, and many chalets that once hosted VIPs are now uninhabitable. Notably, Quarters 18 is being held up by metal props to prevent total collapse. The banquet hall, once a venue for state events, lies abandoned and desolate.
In response to the dilapidated condition, the Oyo State Executive Council has approved ₦63.4 billion for a complete overhaul of the Government House. The ambitious plan includes the reconstruction of chalets and the construction of a new hall to modernize the complex. Governor Makinde has defended the project’s cost, citing inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the scale of the required work.
However, the approval has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and some members of the public, who question the timing and necessity of such an expensive venture amid ongoing economic hardship. They argue that the funds could be better allocated to public welfare projects like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
But for those who have witnessed the extent of the decay firsthand, the renovation is not a matter of luxury—it’s a rescue mission. Advocates for the project argue that the Government House is more than a residence; it is a heritage site, a seat of institutional memory, and a symbol of governance continuity.
As reconstruction begins, with bulldozers rolling in and scaffolding erected across the estate, hopes are high that the facelift will restore the lost glory of Agodi Hill and reaffirm the dignity of Oyo’s leadership.
Ultimately, the revival of the Government House is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about preserving the legacy of leadership, respecting history, and projecting a government that values its roots while preparing for the future.
