A socio-cultural group, Omo Oyo Niwa Nitooto, has called on the Federal Government to initiate the process of returning the Old Oyo National Park to the people of Oyo, citing growing insecurity and the need to preserve the area's historical and cultural heritage. The group, which describes itself as representing concerned sons and daughters of Oyo at home and in the diaspora, stated that the park, once regarded as the cradle of the ancient Oyo Empire, has become a source of security concern due to alleged activities of kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within its vast forest reserves.
Security Concerns and Historical Significance
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Abass Ayomide Asiwaju, the group expressed concern over what it described as the transformation of a historically significant landscape into a haven for criminal activities. According to the group, the Old Oyo National Park is more than a conservation area; it houses invaluable cultural, historical, and archaeological assets, including sites linked to the ancient Oyo Empire and the resting places of several Alaafins who played pivotal roles in Yoruba history.
The statement noted that the park remains one of the most important historical landscapes in Yorubaland and Nigeria, stressing that its heritage value should not be overshadowed by insecurity. “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 continues to threaten lives, disrupt economic activities, and create fear among residents of Oyo and neighbouring communities,” the group stated.
Call for Community Ownership
It added that the situation was particularly troubling given the historical significance of the land, which it said should serve as a centre for tourism, cultural preservation, education, and economic development rather than a refuge for criminal elements. The group urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Environment, Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders to begin consultations on a framework that would allow the people of Oyo to assume greater responsibility for the management and development of the park.
It also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and elected representatives from Oyo to support efforts aimed at reclaiming and revitalising the historic site. According to the group, returning the park to the people of Oyo would create opportunities for cultural tourism, heritage conservation, research, and investment while strengthening security and community ownership.
A Vision for Sustainable 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 statement added. The group maintained that the time had come for a new approach to the management of the park, one that prioritises security, historical preservation, and the interests of host communities. It urged the Federal Government to engage relevant stakeholders and initiate discussions on the future of the Old Oyo National Park, insisting that the ancestral land should be transformed into a symbol of history, peace, and prosperity rather than a sanctuary for criminal activities.
