The Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to traditional leaders (baales) residing in forest reserves across the state to desist from collaborating with individuals engaged in illegal activities within these protected areas.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Forestry, Adekunle Oyesanwen, delivered this warning during his familiarization visits to Government Reserves at J3, J4, and J6 in the Ogun East Local Government Area of the state. The visit included meetings with baales, contractors, and farmers operating within these reserves.

Oyesanwen emphasized that any baale found violating the rules and regulations governing operations within the reserves would face severe consequences, including removal from the enclaves and possible dethronement.

"Very soon, both the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs will come out with a list of all baales in the reserves," Oyesanwen stated. "This would be done in a bid to identify those who are truly qualified to be in the reserves and to expose impostors."

The Permanent Secretary also instructed team leaders and officers stationed in the forest reserves to provide regular intelligence reports on the activities of forest dwellers. He further directed them to ensure that all stakeholders in the forest engage in tree planting and nurture them to maturity.

Highlighting the importance of afforestation, Oyesanwen noted that trees play a crucial role in environmental sustainability and human health. He explained that forests help minimize natural disasters such as wind damage and erosion while absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen essential for human survival.

During his tour, the Permanent Secretary, accompanied by top management staff from the Ministry, also visited Smart Wood and Omo Wood Processing Factories, as well as the Forestry Plantations Project, all located within the Ogun East Local Government Area.

This move by the Ogun State government underscores its commitment to preserving forest reserves and ensuring sustainable management of these vital natural resources.