Alaafin welcomes Ote-Efon military base, says it will boost Oyo security

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has said the establishment of a military base at Ote-Efon will strengthen security and improve rapid response to threats in affected communities.

The monarch spoke on Wednesday when he received a project inspection team from the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, led by the Project Director, Dr. Jude Alorio, on a courtesy visit.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin recalled the abduction of pupils and teachers from Yawota, Esin-Elee Oyo and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area in May. He said the victims, mostly Oyo indigenes, were later rescued following the intervention of combined military and police teams.

The incident, he said, prompted calls from him and other stakeholders for a military base in the area to help protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks. The Federal Government subsequently approved the establishment of the base at Ote-Efon in Atiba Local Government Area, near communities in Oriire and Iseyin.

The Alaafin said locating military infrastructure close to vulnerable communities would enable security personnel to respond faster, gather intelligence and work more closely with residents. He added that the presence of trained military personnel could deter criminal groups and disrupt their operations.

He also said the project could contribute to the economic development of host communities through job creation and increased demand for housing, transport and other services. According to him, military installations could also support improved access to roads, health care, electricity and water.

The monarch commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, for approving the project. He said the base would improve the protection of lives and property and strengthen security across the affected areas.

Earlier, Alorio commended the local committee for its cooperation with the monitoring team and requested that the donated land be surveyed to facilitate construction. Archbishop Emeritus Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu also described the project as significant, saying it had renewed hope among residents for greater protection against banditry and other criminal attacks. The Alaafin subsequently presented the letter of authorisation and documents for the donated land to Alorio.