Following the recent deadly attack on Oloka Village within the Old Oyo National Park, the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has broken his silence, strongly condemning the killings and calling for urgent and decisive security intervention to safeguard lives, heritage, and ancestral lands.
“Our sacred forests, our game reserves, and our historic grounds, where our kings once hunted with spears and drums, are now being turned into slaughter yards by armed marauders. This will not stand,” the monarch declared.
His Majesty consequently announced a series of firm measures, beginning with an official condemnation of the senseless murder of innocent civilians, forest rangers, and travelers within the Old Oyo National Park, while demanding a full and transparent investigation and the immediate arrest of all those responsible.
He further called for the establishment of a permanent armed military base in Otefon Village to strengthen security and protect the Oyo–Oduduwa corridor. In addition, the Alaafin proposed the deployment of a dedicated Yoruba Defense Force battalion, operating under a joint command of the Nigerian Army and traditional warrior chiefs, to ensure round-the-clock patrols of the park and repel criminal incursions.
The monarch also appealed to the Federal Government, particularly the President and the Ministry of Defence, to accord Otefon Village federal recognition as a Strategic National Security Zone, with funding for the construction of barracks, watchtowers, and a helipad within the coming months.
Describing banditry and related security challenges as “gory, worrisome and deeply disturbing”, Oba Owoade emphasized that security is fundamental to the survival of any nation and warned that persistent insecurity could breed lawlessness, chaos, and disorder.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating commitment through action toward ending insecurity across the country, the Alaafin stressed that collective resolve remains necessary.
“Our ancestors did not build empires to watch them crumble under banditry. We will rebuild the walls, not with mud, but with steel. Not with prayers alone, but with patrols. Not with silence, but with thunder”, the Alaafin concluded.
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