Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall: Historic Architectural Masterpiece For All Engagements, Seasons -

Kunle Adelabu

The magnificent edifice, which was initially named Ikorodu Town Hall and now, the Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, is a historical monument and great architecture masterpiece which is one of the major landmarks in Ikorodu Division.

Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town hall depicts the industrious nature of lkorodu people; their social status; their tastes and class, all of which are reflected in Ikorodu song of praise, ‘Oga’ (boss or master).

The idea behind the construction of the Ikorodu town hall on a large expanse of land and located in the centre of the Ikorodu township, started over five decades ago, after heavy downpour disturbed the hosting of a reception at the present location of The Exclusive Club, for Ikorodu sons that returned from abroad by the Ikorodu Students’ Union (ISU) after completing their studies. The sad experience, it was said inspired the youths then to initiate the construction of a befitting hall in Ikorodu for functions.

The masterpiece architecture was designed by the foremost architect in Africa, late Sir (Chief) Michael Olutusen Onafowokan, OON, while the land on which the hall was built was donated to the Ikorodu community by Chief J. M. Shonubi, popularly called ‘Owolowo’, the son of the first Iyalode of Ikorodu whose name ‘Owolowo’ is named after the Street that the Town Hall is located.

Conference sitting arrangement inside the main hall of the Ikorodu Ultra Modern Town Hall.

The edifice was completed early 1990s and commissioned by the then Military Governor of Lagos State, Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola in 1994.

The initiative and construction started with the Ikorodu Students’ Association (ISA) under the leadership of Alhaji Rasaq Afolabi Solaja – Alagago with late Pa (Barr.) Samuel Falabake Ogbe as Secretary. Other prominent members of the ISU then were Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson, SAN, KJW, and Alhaji Chief A.R. Allison among others. The project was taken over around 1986, when the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) commissioned a study to ascertain why the construction was abandoned and eventually mobilized the entire Ikorodu community to complete it.

The land on which the hall was built had, before its construction, served as the ground for the ‘Empire Celebration’ and other community and social activities.

The imposing architectural work is a monument with history of Ikorodu people; center for great events and destination for tourists.

The hall, which is a few minutes away to the Ikorodu garage roundabout, connects two major highways: Ikorodu – Shagamu and Ikorodu – Lagos Roads, making it accessible to people coming from different parts of the country and also, the hall location is also close to the Lagoon with easy access connecting the TOS Benson Avenue which is adjacent to Olubi Street where the hall is located and straight down to the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal of the Nigerian Port Authority at Ipakodo/Ebute, Ikorodu.

The hall, which is deliberately designed with tall tower, also gives people the opportunity to a clear view of the entire town and the lagoon, while at the top of the tower. The tower is named Shoderu Odubeko Tower in recognition of the financial support of Engr. (Chief) R. Omokayode Shoderu towards the completion of the hall.

Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall is a multi – facilities event centre that can accommodate numerous activities at same time with large parking space for vehicles.

The main hall with 1000 sitting capacity is named after the designer of the hall, Sir Michael Onafowokan, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to physical development in Ikorodu Division.

During an event inside the Oteju Hall of the Ikorodu Ultra Modern Town Hall.

There are also three galleries – which are attached to the main hall also for the use of patrons. They are named Erogbogbo, Harrison Kuti and Bode Ogunleye galleries who are major donors to the completion of the hall.

A modern Conference Room designed for corporate and other official meetings within the facility is named after an ally of the late sage and political philosopher, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Late (Alhaji) Chief S.O. Gbadamosi, OFR, a foremost industrialist and former Treasurer, Action Group (AG).

The Oteju Multipurpose Hall is reserved for functions with minimal capacity of about 100 guests. Late Chief S.A.B. Oteju was a great business tycoon, former Baba Ijo, African Bethel Church, Ikorodu (now The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Aga, Ikorodu) and the former Chairman, Ikorodu Peoples Bank Limited (now Ikorodu Division Micro – Finance Bank).

There are also Abel Abu Committee Room for official meetings and Oriwu Club Ikorodu Roof Garden that services other purposes.

But the facility is not just about social functions alone. It also accommodates an educational facility – Alogba Library which is equipped with free WiFi for users.

Also within the facility is the Hall of Fame, which was conceived for the purpose of appreciating and recognizing sons and daughters of Ikorodu that have distinguished themselves and whose contributions have shaped the history of mankind.

This facility provides not only residents of Ikorodu the opportunity to walk in and learn about great men and women that Ikorodu has produced at the local, state, national and international levels, but also give users of the Ikorodu Ultra – Modern Town Hall, the opportunity to have good look at their photographs and learn about them in the Hall of Fame section of the hall.

The large open space, which is a great advantage, usually serves as car park and ground for social engagements, festivals, carnivals, crusades and others.

Aside the Empire Day Celebration which the ground is known for, it has also served as parade ground for Children’s and Independence Day; Asa Festival, annual Embrace Concert by the Living Tabernacle, concerts and political rallies. It has also hosted the One Lagos Fiesta organized and sponsored by the Lagos State Government among other events.