The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has strongly condemned the recent deadly attack on Oloko village and the killing of civilians and forest guards within the Old Oyo National Park, describing the incident as a grave threat to Yoruba heritage and territorial security.
In a statement released by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, following a formal address at the Oyo palace, the monarch expressed deep sympathy to the families of the slain forest guards and residents affected by the violence.
According to the Alaafin, the killings go beyond a routine security lapse and represent a direct assault on ancestral land and cultural legacy. He lamented that areas historically preserved for heritage, conservation, and royal hunting traditions are now being turned into zones of fear by armed attackers.
The monarch called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the killings and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible. He also urged the federal authorities to take decisive steps to prevent further attacks in the region.
As part of proposed security measures, Oba Owoade called for the establishment of a permanent military base at Otefon village to strengthen protection around the Old Oyo National Park and secure the Oyo–Oduduwa corridor. He further advocated for continuous patrols of the park through coordinated security operations involving the Nigerian Army and local security structures.
The Alaafin also appealed to the Federal Government to officially designate Otefon as a strategic national security zone, stressing the need for government-backed infrastructure such as military barracks, surveillance posts, and other security facilities to enhance rapid response.
Describing the rising insecurity across the country as disturbing and unacceptable, the traditional ruler emphasized that safety remains fundamental to national stability and development. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating commitment to addressing insecurity, noting that decisive action is essential to prevent lawlessness and protect lives.
The monarch reaffirmed his resolve to defend the cultural heritage and territorial integrity of Oyo land, stressing that the protection of ancestral territories must be matched with concrete security measures rather than words alone.
