Ogun orders illegal occupants out of forest reserves

The Ogun State Government has ordered illegal occupants in its forest reserve at Area J3 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area to vacate and stop the sale of government lands.

Commissioner for Forestry Taiwo Oludotun gave the order during a fact-finding visit to the reserve on Wednesday.

Oludotun stressed that individuals or groups that have no legitimate business in the forest would not be allowed to stay.

The commissioner, while emphasising the need to protect all of government’s forest reserves against criminality perpetrated by unscrupulous elements, added that the present administration would continue to ensure the safety and proper management of the reserves.

“Ogun State government will not fold its arms and allow people who do not have business in this reserve to stay. Those harbouring criminals should desist, as government is ready to take drastic action against any culprit,” he warned.

He stated that a means of identification would be made compulsory for legitimate occupants and directed forestry officials to take the data of people living in the area.

Earlier in his remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Timothy Olatunji, urged baales in the area to protect the reserves by sustaining tree planting all through the year.

He said farmers in the reserve are permitted to plant cassava, maize and other food crops, noting that such agricultural practices should not be done to the detriment of the trees that were planted.

Responding, a representative of baales in the area, Chief Adewale Aderinwale, appreciated the commissioner and the management team for the visit, assuring them of their cooperation at all times.