Ake Palace & Centenary Hall
Ake Palace (Afin Ake)
The palace of the Alake, the traditional supreme ruler of the Egba people, with the Centenary Hall next door, built in 1930 to mark the city's centenary.
Ake is one of Abeokuta's oldest districts and is home to the palace of the Alake, the traditional supreme ruler of the Egba people. The palace complex blends Yoruba tradition with colonial-era architecture, and its courtyards hold heirlooms of past kings and traditional carvings. Next door, the Centenary Hall, built in 1930, commemorates the city's founding in 1830. This two-story colonial-style building with a clock tower was once an important venue for assemblies. Parts of the palace may be visited with a palace guide once permission is granted, and a tip is usually expected. The exterior of the Centenary Hall can be photographed freely. You can combine a walking tour of these sites with St. Peter's Cathedral nearby and the Ake neighborhood, where writer Wole Soyinka spent his childhood.
Opening hours
Daytime; entry to palace interiors requires permission
Nearby sights
- Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake
- Olumo Rock
- Itoku Adire Market
- Kuti Heritage Museum
- Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library