Paper short abstract:

This article argued that, given the fact that the functions and character of the town hall in large cities have changed over time with urban sprawl, the importance of the Glover Memorial Hall in the socio-political historiography of Lagos, its historical narrative is not only important but also imperative.

Paper long abstract:

Socio-political and cultural activities take place in urban centres in various dimensions. In terms of spatiality, these activities are restricted to certain spots within the city. City or town halls are representative built space with a prominent architectural and socio-political character, located in the city centre, and are usually accompanied by large open areas in front of the buildings. This article argued that, given the fact that the functions and character of the town hall in large cities have changed over time with urban sprawl, the importance of the Glover Memorial Hall in the socio-political historiography of Lagos, its historical narrative is not only important but also imperative. The paper contends that a study of 'zones of in distinction' which appear to lie outside conventional urban discourse but yet reveal much about the hidden dimensions of urban modernity and politics will not only illuminate our understanding of politics of spatial space; social tension, it will also reveal the contributions of these spaces to colonial discourse as a whole. The paper relied on newspaper reports and primary documents sourced from the national achieves in Ibadan and Oged Macaulay's private papers domiciled at the Kenneth Dike Library of the University of Ibadan to construct the history of the hall.