De Castle Inn, formerly one of the most recognizable hotels in Ibadan, situated prominently along Queen Elizabeth II Road in the Total Garden-Gate axis, has been completely demolished.
Onlookers witnessed the arrival of heavy-duty demolition equipment early in the morning, as construction crews moved in to dismantle the decades-old establishment. The hotel had previously served as a vibrant hospitality destination for both locals and visitors to Oyo State’s capital city.
Although no official explanation has been released as of the time of this report, widespread speculation suggests that the demolition may be part of an ongoing urban renewal initiative. This effort, reportedly led by the Oyo State Government, aims to address abandoned, dilapidated, or underutilized structures throughout Ibadan.
In line with this effort, the government has issued multiple public warnings in recent months, highlighting its commitment to reclaiming such properties for development purposes. These actions are said to support city planning, reduce safety hazards, and enhance the general aesthetics of the metropolis.
Several nearby residents noted that De Castle Inn had not been in active service for a prolonged period. This has led many to believe the property may have been flagged under these government directives due to its prolonged inactivity and potential structural issues.
As of now, there has been no formal communication from the state government regarding the demolition, leaving room for continued speculation and concern among local stakeholders and former patrons of the hotel.