The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has formally commended the federal government and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for granting full operational autonomy to the Oyo Passport Office, calling the move a vital victory for administrative decentralization and local economic growth.
​The official recognition took place on Friday, August 7, 2026, during a royal delegation visit to the facility’s headquarters in Oyo Town. With full autonomy secured, the Oyo Passport Office is no longer an auxiliary extension of the Ibadan office. Under the new operational framework, international passports issued at the venue will now bear “Oyo Passport Office” as their direct issuing authority.
​Speaking via an official press statement released in Oyo by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the monarch outlined key societal benefits: Residents across Oyo Town, Ibarapa, and surrounding local councils will no longer need to travel to regional capitals like Ibadan or Ilorin for biometrics and passport collection.
The new passport facility will improve direct issuance authority, reduce processing backlogs and decongests crowded central command facilities across the state.
While boosting the local micro-economy and Increased visitor traffic for passport processing will drive revenue to local hospitality providers, transport operators, and small business owners.
​Representing the paramount ruler at the event, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda of the Oyo Mesi (Traditional Council) delivered the Alaafin’s congratulatory message alongside administrative aides and community leaders.
​In response, Assistant Controller of Immigration (ACI) Oladejo David, Chief Passport Officer of the facility, expressed deep gratitude to Oba Owoade I and local leaders for their persistent advocacy. ACI Oladejo David assured the royal council and the general public that the facility is fully equipped with modern infrastructure to ensure fast, seamless, and transparent service delivery.
