S. L. Akintola’s abandoned mansion tells a story of loss and neglect
A reporter’s visit to the abandoned mansion of Chief Ladoke Akintola in Ogbomoso reveals a haunting tale of history, decay, and forgotten legacy. Despite warnings of spirits and danger, the journalist explores the estate, finding it stripped of valuables but filled with the late premier’s neglected books. The mansion, once a symbol of power, now stands as a stark reminder of changing values and lost heritage. Encounters with locals and officials shed light on the building’s fate and the memories it still holds.
What we know
- The reporter visited the estate of Chief Ladoke Akintola on January 21, 2026, overcoming local fears about the property.
- The mansion has been extensively looted, with pipes, windows, and fittings stolen, but the late premier’s books were left untouched.
- Chief Ladoke Akintola was assassinated during Nigeria’s first military coup on January 15, 1966.
- Locals confirmed that Ladoke Akintola University of Technology has taken over the structure, increasing security to prevent further damage.
- The story highlights not only the physical decay of the mansion but also broader issues of memory, heritage, and what society chooses to value.
