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Blending our glorious past with nature. |
Ecotourism potential:
Two of the primary functions of the National Park Service as contain in section seven (7) of Decree (now Act) 46 of 1999 is to preserve, enhance protect and manage the vegetation and wild animals in the Parks. It is also the function of the National Park Service to encourage the general public to visit the National Parks and the study of nature afforded in the National Parks thereby popularizing them as tourist attractions. Old Oyo National Park has great potentials for wilderness experience, cultural/historical, water recreation, bird watching, educational, research, mountaineering etc. However, eco-tourism is growing gradually in Old Oyo National Park in line with the tourist facilities on ground.
Wildlife Resources:
The physical futures of Old Oyo National Park are part of its endowed resources that make it attractive to the public. The diverse flora and fauna resources, aesthetic and the rich cultural setup make Old Oyo National Park a haven for eco-tourism. Some of the tourist attraction includes the following:
 A unit of accommodation facility (chalet) at Akoto Base Camp
The Antete shrine at lkoyi-Ile (where there is a pot containing swarm of honey bees which used to fight for the people of Ikoyi-IIe by stinging enemies to death). River Ogun where the goddess of Ogun (the wife of Okere) is believed to live, lbuya pool (where the goddess of Ibuya is believed to inhabit). Yemoso Hill (with several old settlements at its base and harbors a lion’s den) - lbuya natural pool and Ikere Gorge Dam provide ample opportunities for leisure seekers.
Cultural /Historical Resources:
The abundance of cultural features both within and outside the Park makes it a combination of an ecological and cultural/historical Park. The site of Oyo-lle, now in ruins, located in the northeast corner of the Park was the capital and hub of the ancient Oyo Empire of the Yoruba race. This empire was one of the first states to emerge in the forest and coastal region of West Africa and was also the most culturally advanced. It reached its Zenith between the 17th and 181h centuries. Several ancient histo-political sites both inside and outside the Park are associated with Oyo-lIe. Among these are lgboho, Ipapo-Ile and Koso. At a point in time these sites served as the capital of the empire. Alaafin Sango is believed to have been the most powerful Ruler who recaptured the lost portion of Old Oyo Empire. He is still worship today as the god of thunder because he had the power of thunder with which he defeated the enemies of Oyo Empires. He is also believed to have committed suicide at Koso when he was betrayed. Other cultural sites include: The Royal cemeteries at lgboho and Bara, the Asabari Shrine at Shaki, Oyo-IIe abandoned settlement site, the python cave, Rlacksmithing center, Mejiro Grinding Industrial site, the ruins of the Palace, the ruins of Akesan Market, Koso rock, Agbaku rockshelter, Mejiro rockshelter, Mounds (house ruins), Mejiro cave, the ruins of the Town Hall, Esu shrine, Ogun shrine, IdiAra cave, etc.
Park Viewing:
Visitors to the Park are required to call at the Pak’s Head Office, Oyo to obtain entry permit. The best time to visit the Park is December to April every year when visibilities and accessibilities is generally good. Arrangement can be made to proceed to the Park through Sepeteri, Tede, and lgbeti.
Infrastructures/facilities:
The following facilities are put in place for the comfort of the tourists/visitors in the Park:
- 8 No. Chalets at Akoto tourist camp
- Low income accommodation facility (students’ hostels) 40 No. bed spaces.
- Restaurant that provide both Continental and African dishes
- Borehole with water network distribution.
- A 4OKVA generator set for constant power supply.
- Jeep tracks linking various Park locations for anti-poaching and Safari ride.
- Camping sites at Ibuya base camp, Oyo-Ile etc.
- Wildlife Museum atAkoto Base Camp
- Wildlife/Historical Museum at Administrative Head Office, Oyo.
Proximity (Nearest towns, Airports):
The following major towns are located within easy reach to the Park.
Lagos to Oyo by road -198km, Ibadan to Oyo by road – 50km, Ilorin to Oyo by road – 104km, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos and Ibadan Airport.
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