Located on Broad Street in Lagos Island, Nigeria, Tinubu Square (formerly known as Ita Tinubu and Independence Square) is a historic 2,000-square-metre open space landmark. Named after Madam Efunroye Tinubu, a Yoruba merchant, aristocrat, and slave trader, this fenced square offers a serene setting that has long served as a melting pot for indigenous Lagosians, people of Brazilian extract, and the colonial administration. It also hosted the first court of justice, later replaced by the Supreme Court in 1918.
Remodeled in 2017 by the Lagos State Government, it features flowing fountains, flowers, and tropical trees. When you visit, you will see a life-size statue of Madam Tinubu set on a cenotaph right within the grounds. The square has also hosted unique international art exhibitions, such as 1970 film stills from Things Fall Apart by Stephen Goldblatt and 1960s photographs by German photographer Nina Fischer-Stephan.
Supported by the "Keep Lagos Clean" operation to foster tourism, Tinubu Square is a reflective spot to appreciate the complex history and cultural intersections of Lagos Island.
What to see at Tinubu Square
- Life-size statue of Madam Efunroye Tinubu on a historic cenotaph
- Two flowing fountains set among flowers and tropical trees within the iron-fenced grounds
- Site of historical cultural convergence and Nigeria's first court of justice
- Host location for international art installations featuring historic Nigerian photography and film stills
Visiting tips
Take time to walk around the iron-fenced grounds to appreciate the serene environment and view the historical monument of Madam Tinubu.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Tinubu Square is easy to reach on Lagos’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Nigerian National Museum, Lagos and Lagos Central Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lagos travel guide.
See the full Lagos travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.