The once-grand residence of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the last Premier of the old Western Region, now lies in quiet ruin in Oke-Ado, Ogbomoso. Once a symbol of power and prestige, the estate has become a crumbling shell, ravaged by time, neglect, and vandalism.
The overgrown compound features damaged gates, stripped windows, scarred walls, and spider-webbed rooms filled with debris. What was once a vibrant property — complete with spacious halls, lush gardens, and an Olympic-size swimming pool — now hosts thick shrubs, empty kitchens, and stripped plumbing. The tombs of Akintola, his wife, and their son remain quietly within the decaying estate.
Locals recall how the home once buzzed with activity and community events, but scavengers and security challenges left it vulnerable to looting over the years.
Today, the estate has been handed over to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). University officials say plans are underway to renovate parts of the property and repurpose it for academic use, including housing the Institute of African Studies, though extensive repairs are needed after decades of decay.
The story of Akintola’s abandoned estate is a stark reminder of how even historic landmarks can fade without care, highlighting the urgent need to preserve Nigeria’s political and cultural heritage.
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