Makinde Unveils Olunloyo Tourism Park in Ibadan.

 Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday officially unveiled a newly constructed tourism and leisure park named after a former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, as part of efforts to promote culture, tourism and urban renewal.

Makinde Unveils Olunloyo Tourism Park in Ibadan.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the park located along Airport Road, Alakia, Ibadan, with the governor represented by his deputy, Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde said the leisure park was designed to serve a dual purpose of recreation and the preservation of Oyo State’s rich cultural heritage. He noted that the facilities and cultural artefacts housed within the park would help residents and visitors gain deeper insight into the unique identities of the state and its various geopolitical zones.

According to the governor, the project emerged from an abandoned site and was deliberately conceived to immortalise the late Dr. Olunloyo, whom he described as an exceptional intellectual and outstanding public servant whose contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria remain remarkable.

Makinde recalled that Olunloyo’s legacy had been celebrated even during his lifetime, citing the commissioning of the over three-kilometre dual carriageway linking Ibadan to the airport, which was named after the former governor.

He explained that the location of the park was previously occupied by shanties before the state government intervened to restore order and convert the space into a landmark befitting a respected statesman.

“This park is unique in many respects. It houses cherished artefacts that represent the culture and traditions of Oyo State — from Ibarapa to Oke Ogun, Ogbomosho and Ibadan. These symbols will continually remind us of our heritage and the need to preserve it,” Makinde said.

The governor also urged residents and visitors to take responsibility for the proper use and maintenance of the facility, noting its proximity to the international airport and its potential to attract investors and foreign visitors.

“Let those who come here enjoy the ambience and serenity of our state. We must ensure this facility is used neatly and strictly for the purpose for which it was built,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Abulmojeed Mogbonjubola, described the park as another major milestone in Governor Makinde’s vision to redefine Ibadan’s skyline and enhance the city’s aesthetics.

He said the project was designed as a centre for leisure, history and culture, stressing that it would contribute significantly to the beauty of the metropolis and further underscore the administration’s commitment to urban and physical development.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; commissioners; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; co-chairman of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese; and former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero.

Also present were Oloye Lekan Alabi; President-General of CCII, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.