Insecurity: 'Return National Park To Oyo People', Group Tells Federal Government

By RhemDy News 

The Federal Government has been told to commence the process of returning the Old Oyo National Park to the people of Oyo Town to address the insecurity in the corridor. 

A group, 'Omo Oyo Niwa Nitooto' which made the call said it has become necessary to return the park to the people of Oyo considering that their forefathers founded, inhabited, protected, and preserved the historic land for centuries.

In a statement on Friday by the Chairman and General Secretary of the group, Chief S. Olalere and Abass Ayomide Asiwaju,  the group called for urgent need to address the growing insecurity and historical injustice surrounding the land presently designated as the Old Oyo National Park.

They pointed out that the park comprises 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.

The group maintained that the national park was not merely a forest reserve or conservation site, but the cradle of Oyo civilisation and one of the most significant historical landscapes in Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole. 

"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 neighboring 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," the statement stated.

As custodians of this heritage, the group affirmed that the people of Oyo possess the commitment and capacity to transform the 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.

The statement called President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Assembly, the Oyo State Government, and federal lawmakers representing and traditional rulers of Oyo land, and 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".

It stressed that the call was not a call against conservation but 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," it stated.

The group further urged the Federal Government to engage with Oyo stakeholders and commence immediate consultations on the future of the Old Oyo National Park.

"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 stated.