Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially opened a new tourism and relaxation park named in honour of a former governor, the late Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo. The commissioning ceremony took place on 18 December 2025.
A Dual-Purpose Landmark for Ibadan
Represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde stated that the leisure park, situated on Airport Road in Alakia, Ibadan, is designed for both recreation and the preservation of the state's rich cultural legacy. He emphasized that the park's facilities and artefacts will help residents and visitors appreciate the uniqueness of Oyo State and its various geo-political zones.
The governor highlighted that the project transformed an abandoned site once full of shanties into a serene space to immortalise Dr. Olunloyo. He praised the late former governor as a brilliant and outstanding personality whose significant contributions to the state and Nigeria deserved recognition.
Celebrating a Legacy
"Baba was a unique and outstanding being right from his childhood," Makinde said via his representative. "He became a commissioner in his 20s and was always successful in his endeavours. Today, our government is celebrating Baba because of the successes he recorded in his lifetime."
He noted that the state government had begun honouring Olunloyo even during his lifetime, citing the commissioning of the over three-kilometre dual carriageway linking the town to the airport, which the late statesman attended.
"This park is unique in many respects," the governor added. "We have some cherished artefacts here that symbolise our culture and tradition in Oyo State — from Ibarapa to Oke Ogun to Ogbomosho and Ibadan. All these will make us always put our culture into cognisance."
A Call for Maintenance and Proper Use
Governor Makinde urged future users of the park to maintain it properly and use it for its intended purposes. He pointed out the strategic location near the international airport, approximately two kilometres away, which will attract investors and foreign visitors.
"Let them enjoy the ambience and serenity of our state," he concluded, underscoring the project's role in enhancing the state's image.
Redefining Ibadan's Skyline
Earlier at the event, the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Honourable Abulmojeed Mogbonjubola, described the park as a major milestone in Governor Makinde's efforts to redefine Ibadan's skyline and improve the aesthetics of the fast-growing metropolis.
Mogbonjubola stated that the project was conceived as a centre for leisure, history, and culture, contributing significantly to Ibadan's beauty and demonstrating the administration's commitment to urban development.
The event was graced by numerous dignitaries, including:
- The Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi
- The Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni
- The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade
- Co-Chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese
- Former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero
- President-General of CCII, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole
- Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda
Also in attendance were service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other prominent figures.
