The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has issued a powerful condemnation of the recent violent attacks that resulted in the deaths of civilians and park rangers within the Old Oyo National Park. The monarch described the incident as a direct assault on Yoruba heritage and sovereignty, demanding immediate federal action.
More Than a Security Breach: An Assault on Heritage
In a statement released on 10 January 2026 through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, Oba Owoade declared that the massacre, particularly at Oloka village, transcends a mere security lapse. Following a solemn proclamation at the Imperial Court of Oyo, he framed the violence as a profound cultural attack.
"The recent brutal killings inside Old Oyo National Park, especially the massacre at Oloko, is not merely a 'security breach.' It is a dagger plunged into the heart of our ancestral empire," the Alaafin stated. He expressed deep distress over the transformation of sacred forests and historic hunting grounds into "slaughter yards by armed marauders," vowing that such a situation will not be tolerated.
Concrete Security Demands and Proposals
The paramount ruler outlined specific, actionable measures to secure the region and prevent future tragedies. His primary demands include a full, transparent investigation into the killings and the swift arrest of all those responsible.
As a central pillar of his security plan, Oba Owoade called for the establishment of a permanent military base at Otefon village. He envisions this facility as a strategic stronghold to protect the Oyo-Oduduwa corridor. The proposed base should feature barracks, watchtowers, and a helipad, and must be federally funded and officially designated as a Strategic National Security Zone.
Furthermore, the Alaafin advocated for the deployment of a Yoruba Defence Force battalion. This unit would operate under a joint command structure involving the Nigerian Army and traditional warrior chiefs. Their mandate would be to conduct round-the-clock patrols within the national park and decisively repel any invaders.
Ancestral Legacy and a Call to Action
While commending President Bola Tinubu's broader efforts to tackle national insecurity, Oba Owoade emphasized that security is fundamental to national survival. He connected the present crisis to the legacy of the Oyo Empire, issuing a resolute declaration.
"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," he proclaimed.
The monarch extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the slain forest guards and civilians. He underscored the immense cultural and historical value of the Old Oyo National Park, a site regarded as both an ecological treasure and a vital piece of Yoruba heritage. The Alaafin's forceful directives are anticipated to amplify calls for urgent federal and state intervention to halt the bloodshed and preserve these ancestral lands.
