The Oyo Alaafin Forum, Abuja, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa and the Nigerian Army for establishing the Headquarters of 7 Brigade and Garrison in Oyo town.
In a statement dated October 7, 2026, signed by its Chairman, Engineer Segun Owolabi, and Media Coordinator, Ambassador Tunde Mustapha, the group described the development as a major intervention in the security architecture of Oyo State and the ancient Oyo Kingdom.
The forum said the new military formation was particularly significant given the security challenges affecting communities around the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the state.
It described the establishment of 7 Brigade as a “timely, strategic and reassuring demonstration” of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a secure environment for agriculture, commerce, tourism, investment and socio-economic development.
The group also commended the Nigerian Army for moving from announcement to implementation, noting that the new 7 Brigade Headquarters had already commenced operations from temporary barracks in Isokun, Oyo.
It cited the inspection of the formation by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Auwalu Mahamuda, on October 1, 2026, during which he said the establishment of new formations in Oyo, Kishi and Ile Ife was part of the Chief of Army Staff’s strategy to deploy more troops on the ground and improve the Army’s response to emerging security threats.A
The Oyo Alaafin Forum also praised the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, for what it described as his “visionary leadership and steadfast support” for the establishment of the military formation.
“Kabiyesi has consistently demonstrated that the traditional institution can be a constructive partner of government in the promotion of national security and community development,” the forum said.
The group also acknowledged the contributions of sons and daughters of Oyo and other stakeholders who supported the initiative.
It called for the speedy construction of the permanent military cantonment at Otefon in Atiba Local Government Area, saying the facility would provide a permanent home for the 7 Brigade Headquarters and further strengthen security around the Old Oyo National Park.
“We therefore look forward with great anticipation to the ground-breaking ceremony and commencement of development of the permanent Otefon Cantonment,” the forum said.
The group further declared its “complete, firm and unalloyed support” for President Tinubu and the continued implementation of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
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It said it remained committed to supporting the President’s efforts to strengthen national security, promote economic development, improve infrastructure and advance the welfare of Nigerians.
The forum concluded by assuring President Tinubu of its support “through 2031 and beyond”, saying the commitment was in the collective interest of Oyo State and Nigeria.
