The building of the Abeokuta Memorial Centenary Hall emanated from His Majesty Oba Ladapo
Ademola II, KBE, The Alake of Egbaland to commemorate the Centenary (100 years) of Egba
settlement in Abeokuta.
This idea was wholeheartedly supported by the Egba Authority at a meeting
held on Thursday, 2nd January, 1930.
LAYING OF FOUNDATION STONE:
Arrangements were put in place immediately. The foundation stone ceremony of the Hall was
performed by Alayeluwa Oba Ladapo Ademola II on the 19th July, 1930 at 5pm with his assistance from
the Administration Inspector of Works, Mr. E.W. Chubb and Capt. H.J Brock who was the Engineer for
Egba Native Authority. The Alake, at the ceremony, exhibited to all present the Administration
Bulletin of January, 1930 containing matters relating to the Hall and the list showing the names of
Egba Councilors and Heads of Administration Departments during whose time the foundation stone of
the Hall was laid, note written by Alayeluwa, Alake and (5) five shillings in silver coins, all of which
were deposited in foundation hole before the foundation stone was laid with the following
pronouncements;
“I declare this foundation stone well and truly laid (3 times)”
There was initial doubt as to whether the building could be completed by the time of the Centenary
Celebrations but for the special interests shown by the Resident Capt. B.W. Macpherson, the District
Officer, Mr. G.V. Evans, the Egba N.A. Engineer, Capt. H.J. Brock and Inspector of works Mr. E.W.
Chubb who rest assured its completion for the formal opening in a manner worthy of the name and
reputation of Abeokuta and that the celebration should be observed during the period of 10th Alake’s
Coronation Anniversary coming up towards September ending.
DESIGN:
The Design for the Hall was drawn by Mr. H.A. Porter, Senior Architect from Public Works Department
Headquarters, Race Course Road, Lagos while on tour of Abeokuta. His sketch plan was forwarded to
the PWD Headquarters, Drawing Office, Mr. Robert Charles Kotey, 2nd Class Draughtsman and a
native of Accra, Gold Coast Colony (now Ghana) with the first architect Mr. T. Scott who prepared a
detailed drawing for the foundation plan so that the work could go ahead. On Mr. Porter’s return
from Abeokuta, all working drawings were prepared by Mr. Kotey. All half inch and full size details
were then prepared by Mr. Kotey working under the direction of Mr. Porter. Mr. Kotey prepared all
tracings, the lettering over the side entrance and other small details under Mr. Scott.
Mr. Kotey did the work splendidly (both original and tracing) and Messrs Porter and Scott were very
pleased with Mr. Kotey. It was therefore placed on record the excellent services rendered by the three
officers in designing and other architectural matters connected with the Hall. The Hall and courtyard
occupied land area of 3,196.038 meters.
Culled from Egba History
0 comments:
Post a Comment