Tears and Rubble: Popular Ibadan Hotel, De Castle Inn, Reduced to Dust Amid Urban Cleanup Drive

In a startling and unannounced move that left residents and passersby in disbelief, the once-thriving De Castle Inn located along the bustling Queen Elizabeth II Road in the Total Garden-Gate axis of Ibadan has been brought to its knees—literally. Heavy-duty bulldozers rolled in quietly but powerfully, and by midmorning, the iconic structure that once echoed with music, laughter, and clinking glasses had been reduced to a pile of rubble. Dust filled the air where memories once lived.

De Castle Inn wasn’t just another hotel in Ibadan. For years, it stood as a silent witness to the evolution of nightlife and hospitality in Oyo State’s capital. It hosted wedding receptions, business meetings, political rendezvous, and romantic getaways. Its central location made it a favorite among travelers and locals alike. Its sudden demolition, therefore, has sent shockwaves through the community, stirring not just confusion but also nostalgia.

No official word has yet come from the Oyo State government regarding the precise reason behind the demolition. However, murmurs are growing louder, pointing fingers toward the government’s recent urban renewal campaign that targets neglected, abandoned, or underutilized buildings across the city. De Castle Inn, many residents say, had not been in full operation for quite some time, a shadow of its former self. The once-busy gates remained shut more often than not, and the neon sign that once glowed proudly in the Ibadan night had dimmed over the months.

"I passed here yesterday evening and everything looked normal," said Bolaji Adebayo, a local taxi driver who frequently picked up passengers from the hotel during its prime. "This morning, I see bulldozers. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Just like that, one of Ibadan’s most popular landmarks is gone."

Urban development watchers believe the move may not be as sudden as it seems. The state government had in recent months issued stern warnings about reclaiming or demolishing structures that no longer serve a constructive purpose. According to city planning insiders, several properties had already been tagged for removal, though specific names were never publicly disclosed. The silence and ambiguity surrounding which properties were at risk only added to the mystery and anxiety in the city.

"I don’t think this came out of nowhere," said Tayo Ogunrinde, an urban planner based in Ibadan. "If you’ve been paying attention, you’d know that there has been increasing pressure from the government to clean up the city. A lot of properties that were once assets have become eyesores. But still, the demolition of De Castle Inn feels like the end of an era."

Online, reactions have been mixed. Some Ibadan residents on social media applauded the government for taking bold steps to enforce its vision for a cleaner and more modern city. Others, however, lamented the loss of a beloved institution, questioning whether adequate notice was given or if alternative solutions could have been pursued. "De Castle Inn may not have been thriving anymore, but its name carries history," wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). "That place was a big part of Ibadan's social scene. So many memories reduced to rubble."

The lack of transparency surrounding the demolition has only fanned the flames of public speculation. As of this report, state authorities have remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying whether the hotel was on any official demolition list. Calls and emails sent to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development went unanswered.

For longtime residents, however, the loss feels deeply personal. De Castle Inn was more than bricks and mortar. It was a place where first dates happened, where out-of-town guests found comfort, where local artists performed, and where deals were sealed over cold drinks. It was a staple in the collective consciousness of a generation.

"Back in 2011, I got engaged to my wife here," said Olumide Alade, a 42-year-old businessman. "It’s painful to see it go like this, without warning, without farewell. I wish they had at least allowed us to go inside and take a final look."

While the city marches on in its quest for modernization, the demolition of De Castle Inn is a sobering reminder that progress often comes at the cost of heritage. As bulldozers cleared the final debris by noon, all that remained was silence—and a skyline missing one of its familiar silhouettes.

It remains unclear what will rise from the ashes of De Castle Inn. Some speculate a new hotel will be built in its place, possibly something more upscale and modern, while others whisper about a government facility or commercial plaza. Until the government breaks its silence, Ibadan residents are left only with memories—and a growing sense of unease about which cherished landmarks might be next on the chopping block.

In a city as historic and sprawling as Ibadan, every building tells a story. Today, the story of De Castle Inn has come to an abrupt and dusty end. And though its walls may no longer stand, the echoes of what it once was will likely linger in the hearts of those who walked its halls, danced on its floors, and called it home for a night.