Return old Oyo national park over insecurity, group urges FG

A group under the aegis of Oyo Niwa Nitooto, representing concerned sons and daughters of Oyo at home and in diaspora, has called on the Federal Government to commence the process of returning the Old Oyo National Park to the people of Oyo State, whose forefathers founded, inhabited, protected, and preserved the historic land for centuries.

The call was necessitated by the urgent need to address the growing security concerns and historical injustice surrounding the land presently designated as the Old Oyo National Park.

In a statement signed by the Group’s Chairman, Chief S. Olalere, and the General Secretary, Abass Ayomide Asiwaju, respectively, the group noted that the land houses invaluable cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage, including sites associated with the ancient Oyo Empire and the resting places of several Alaafins who shaped the history of the people and the nation.

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It explained that the Old Oyo National Park was not merely a forest reserve or a conservation site, but the cradle of Oyo civilisation and one of the most significant historical landscapes in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

The group, however, urged the federal government to engage with Oyo stakeholders and ensure immediate consultations on the future of the Old Oyo National Park.

“Unfortunately, what was once a symbol of pride and heritage has increasingly become a source of concern. Reports and testimonies from communities surrounding the park indicate that vast portions of the area have become hideouts for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.

“The insecurity emanating from the Park has continued to threaten lives, disrupt economic activities, and create fear among residents of Oyo and neighbouring communities.

“It is deeply troubling that a land of such historical significance has become associated with insecurity rather than development, tourism, cultural preservation, and economic prosperity.

We, the members of “Omo Oyo Niwa Nitooto”, representing concerned sons and daughters of Oyo at home and abroad, respectfully but firmly call on the Federal Government to commence the process of returning the Old Oyo National Park to the people of Oyo, whose forefathers founded, inhabited, protected, and preserved this historic land for centuries.

“As custodians of this heritage, we believe that the people of Oyo possess both the commitment and capacity to transform this historic land into a thriving centre of cultural tourism, education, economic development, and heritage conservation. We envision a revitalised ancient Oyo City that will attract scholars, tourists, investors, and visitors from across Nigeria and the world, while preserving the legacy of our forefathers for future generations.

“Accordingly, we call on the President, Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Assembly, Oyo State Government, Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Member of the House of Representatives representing the Oyo Federal Constituency, traditional rulers of Oyo land, community leaders, youth organisations and all relevant stakeholders to unite in support of a sustainable framework that will facilitate the transfer of appropriate control and management responsibilities of the Old Oyo National Park to the people of Oyo, under a structure that guarantees security, environmental protection, heritage preservation, and economic development.

“This is not a call against conservation. Rather, it is a call for responsible community ownership, effective security management, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. The current reality demands a new approach—one that places the interests of local communities, national security, and historical preservation at the forefront.

“The time has come for this sacred ancestral land to be restored to its rightful place as a beacon of history, culture, peace, and prosperity—not a sanctuary for criminal elements.

“Our forefathers built an Empire that was respected throughout Africa. We owe it to their memory and to future generations to reclaim, protect, and develop their heritage. Enough is enough. The people of Oyo must not continue to watch their ancestral homeland become a refuge for insecurity while its immense historical and economic potential remains untapped”, the group concluded.