On the 14th of December 2023, the Ogun State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, issued a directive for 17 communities in Ijebu-East/North Local Government Area to vacate the elephant conservation area within the Omo Forest Reserve. These communities were labeled as “illegal farmers and timber contractors.”
During a meeting held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Commissioner Oludotun set a deadline of January 15, 2024, for the communities to comply with the evacuation order. The Commissioner accused the communities of encroaching on the buffer zones of the forest reserve.
The affected communities include Eseke, Tamitami, Bridge, Korede, Fatai, Sojukorodo, Etemi-Gerade, Onigburugburu, Erifun, Aba Alhaja, Erimogan, Ologunna, Ori Apata, Imaba, Apora, Fatai 2, and Yomi Iga.
Commissioner Oludotun emphasized the illegality of planting cocoa seedlings within the state’s forest reserves and warned of sanctions for any violations post the evacuation deadline. He asserted that the Ministry of Forestry would not tolerate illegal activities within its forest reserves.
Permanent Secretary, Mr. Timothy Olatunji, urged timber contractors to collaborate with the ministry to curb the unwholesome activities within the forest reserves. Representatives of timber contractors, Kunle Kalejaye and Alhaja Ranti Bambi, expressed dismay at the violation of government directives by some individuals and pledged to support the Ministry’s efforts in addressing the issue.
In conclusion, the state government’s firm stance on protecting forest reserves and regulating activities within them was reiterated. The eviction order aims to restore the integrity of the Omo Forest Reserve and prevent illegal activities, particularly cocoa plantation, within its boundaries. The government urged cooperation from the affected communities and stakeholders for the successful implementation of these measures.
