Defence Ministry Considers Oyo Community’s Proposal for Military Cantonment
Oru Leonard
Abuja, June 16, 2026 – The Ministry of Defence has described a proposal by the Oyo Alaafin community for the establishment of a military cantonment in Oyo State as a “noble” initiative aimed at strengthening security and combating criminal activities in the region.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, gave the commendation on Monday while receiving a delegation from the Alaafin of Oyo under the umbrella of the Oyo Alafin Society (Oyo Forum), Abuja.
The delegation, which conveyed the mandate of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo, informed the Ministry that the community had resolved to provide a vast expanse of land for the construction of a military cantonment. According to the group, the proposed facility would boost the presence of the Armed Forces and help address security threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Pheelangwah described the visit as timely and assured the delegation that the Ministry would give the proposal due consideration. He noted that any positive response would follow established procedures, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr. Kolawole Raji, praised the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces for their efforts in protecting lives and property across the country.
Raji disclosed that community leaders and stakeholders had earmarked land bordering the Old Oyo National Park near Otefon Town in Atiba Local Government Area for the project.
He explained that the site is suitable for a modern military cantonment capable of housing Nigerian Army formations, Nigerian Air Force operational units, military training institutions, healthcare facilities, residential quarters, commercial centres, and other strategic security infrastructure.
He further stated that the Oyo Alaafin community was committed to supporting the project by providing all lawful and necessary assistance to facilitate its successful implementation.
Although the Alaafin of Oyo was unable to attend the meeting, he sent a goodwill message through a recorded video, expressing optimism that the Federal Government would give the proposal favourable consideration. Similar messages were delivered by Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, representing Oyo Federal Constituency.
Directors of the Ministry of Defence were also present at the meeting.
