Â鶹APP

Top 10 Facts about Bower’s Tower, Nigeria

Bower’s Tower Ibadan by Olasunkanmiariyo/Wikimedia Commons

Ibadan, the city scattered among seven hills is synonymous with Bower’s Tower. Standing at the top of the tower one could see at a glance the four corners of the Ibadan metropolis.

It gives a panoramic view of all the important places in the ancient city. The Bower’s tower is a historical monument standing 60 feet tall in Oke Are.

The Bower’s tower is a place to visit in Ibadan, visitors who visit the tower get to climb the forty-seven-spiral staircase.

One gets to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, identify major landmarks from the top, take beautiful pictures of the town and even organize a picnic.

1. The amazing Bower tower is located on the summit of Oke the highest hill in Ibadan

Bower’s Tower is located on the summit of Oke-Are, the highest hill in Ibadan, from which one enjoys a commanding view of the city.

Oke-Are the Army Chief’s Hill the site central to Igbo-Agala in Sapati Area, from the top of the Tower, the ancient city lays before you spread out in her splendor.

Today, getting to the peak of the Tower one will see more than a third of the great city of warriors.

2. The amazing tower was built in memory of captain Bowers the first British resident in Nigeria

Bower’s Tower by Oluwapamilerin Adedeji/Wikimedia Commons

Bowers tower was built as a memorial monument in honor of the memory of Captain Bowers the first British resident in Nigeria.

He was appointed by Queen Elizabeth in 1893 to oversee and put an end to the unending wars between the different Yoruba kingdoms.

The location of the tower was perfect because it is located on a hill which is the highest point in the city from this hill you can see almost every part of Ibadan.

3. The road to the astonishing tower passes through a rough suburb 

The road to this place is through a rough suburb of the city up the hill, it’s the home of the settlement of the great Ibadan warlords in the 17th century.

The houses here can be as old as the city and entirely mud, a few with cement, and they all share something in the common colorful conference of a rustic brown metal roof.

4. The interesting tower is sixty feet high, has two entrances and forty-seven stairs 

Bower’s Tower, Ibadan, Nigeria spiral staircase by Omoeko Media /

The tower is 60 feet high and 11 feet square with two entrances and simple 47-step stairs winding up to the top. The stairway is narrow, dark, and enclosed

The building was nicknamed ‘L²¹²â¾±±è´Ç’ because of its long spiral staircase which some claim makes them dizzy after climbing.

It served as one of the most visited tourist centers in the city of Ibadan. The tower itself is in good shape.

The concrete walls have stood the test of time and the terracotta color was brilliant against the blue sky.

The tower isn’t very spacious on the inside, so you have to climb carefully with your hands and knees to get to the top.

5. The entrance fee is 200 naira its open from 9 am to 5 pm daily thus visitors can see the awesome tower

The tower opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily and it requires a fee of 200 naira to enter the tower.

When visiting the tower, it is advised to dress comfortably and also wear good shoes as it involves a lot of climbing.

If you are coming with a bike man, please do not discharge the bike man until you are done otherwise you will have to trek down from the hill.

When visiting the tower camera or camera phone, power bank, snacks, and drinks, things to bring.

6. Interesting activities to do at the tower scenic views, climbing the narrow staircase, and picnics

Though the main attraction here is the tower, however, there are a couple of activities you can do here

Enjoy the scenic view of the city at the top of the tower, and climb the forty-seven narrow spiral staircases.

Identify major landmarks from the top like Dugbe market and Agodi gardens with your camera you can take beautiful pictures of the city.

Organize a picnic with friends and family one can see the Ibadan natives who have an attachment and so much importance to the Tower.

7. Taffy Jones designed and built the interesting Bower tower

Bower’s Tower in Layipo, Ibadan, Oyo State by Usman Adepoju/

Bowers tower was built by the same engineer that built and designed Mapo Hall. It has a forty-seven spiral staircase which was designed by Taffy Jones that leads to the top of the tower.

Taffy Jones is the same engineer that built Mapo hall, another historical monument in Ibadan. The monumental project was financed by the Ibadan native authority

It was in memory of Sir Robert Lister Bower and first Colonial Resident of Ibadan whose character, courage, and administrative ability won the universal esteem of Yoruba.

8. The remarkable SDM tavern and suites is a home where one can stay and enjoy 

If you are looking for a place to stay during your stay at Ibadan to visit amazing historical sites the SDM tavern and suites are the places for you.

The hotel is within the vicinity of Lekan Salami Stadium and Liberty Stadium. One can make themselves at home with air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions.

Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment.

Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks and separate sitting areas, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Enjoy the recreation opportunities such as a fitness center or make use of other amenities, enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

9. The famous Captain Robert Lister Bower who captured the Yoruba warrior Ogedengbe

Major Sir Robert Lister Bower was a British Army, colonial, and a police officer who served as Chief Constable of the North Riding of Yorkshire Constabulary.

He served in the Anglo-Egyptian War and fought at Tel-el-Mahuta, Kassassin, and Tel-el-Kebir.

He was a British Resident at Ibadan, Nigeria, where he captured and arrested the Yoruba warrior Ogedengbe of Ilesa.

10. The amazing Bower tower offers a panoramic view of the city of Ibadan from the top

View of Cocoa house on top of bower towers by Kaizenify/

At the top of Bowers tower, you get a panoramic view of the city of Ibadan. From the top of the tower, you can see some important landmarks

The landmarks are the Cocoa House, the University College Hospital (UCH), the Polytechnic of Ibadan, The University of Ibadan, and the Agodi gardens just to mention a few.

The tower gives a 360 birds-eye view of the city of Ibadan. No wonder the locals call it Oke Layipo which can be translated as the Mount of turn around.