A group of timber dealers in Ogun State, under the Ijebu Samillers and Timber Contractors Association, has raised alarms about the destructive activities of illegal cocoa farmers. These farmers are allegedly clearing economic trees in the Omo Forest Reserves at Area J4 to establish cocoa plantations. The association estimates that the state government is losing over ₦500 million annually due to these activities.

According to Pa Aliu Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, about 90% of these illegal farmers, who often carry weapons, come from states like Benue, Edo, Kwara, Osun, Nasarawa, and Ondo. Ibrahim noted that during Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration, illegal farmers were removed from forest reserves. However, since Daniel left office in 2011, they have returned in greater numbers, posing a significant threat to the state’s economy and security.

“The state initially had nine forest reserves, but due to illegal cocoa farming, we are left with only the Omo Forest Reserve,” Ibrahim explained. He accused these farmers of using chemicals to kill economically valuable trees that were planted with World Bank funding, before planting their cocoa and banana crops.

Ibrahim called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to take action, noting that Ondo State has successfully addressed similar issues. “These people are not more powerful than the government. Our livelihoods are at risk,” he stated.

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Mr. Opeoluwa Idowu, Secretary of the association, echoed these sentiments, urging the Ogun State government to take decisive action against the illegal cocoa farmers. “We have planted economic trees on 15 hectares, which they are also destroying. Their armed attacks are intolerable,” he stated, emphasizing that the government’s inaction has led to over ₦500 million in losses annually.

Pastor Funmileye Akinukawe, another member of the association, expressed concern that illegal cocoa farming is rapidly overtaking 90% of the Omo Forest Reserve. He revealed that licensed timber contractors contributed over ₦900 million to the state’s revenue last year, while illegal farmers transport their goods to neighboring states, causing significant revenue loss.

“We must act now to prevent our forests from turning into a battleground for these farmers,” Akinukawe warned. He urged Governor Abiodun to intervene promptly, protecting the state’s collective heritage.

The Treasurer of the association, Mr. Thomas Dehinbo, suggested that illegal farmers be relocated to designated farm settlements established for food and cash crops.

In response, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, Commissioner for Forestry, acknowledged the situation, stating, “The government is aware of this challenge and is already working on it.”vvBy James Ogunnaike

A group of timber dealers in Ogun State, under the Ijebu Samillers and Timber Contractors Association, has raised alarms about the destructive activities of illegal cocoa farmers. These farmers are allegedly clearing economic trees in the Omo Forest Reserves at Area J4 to establish cocoa plantations. The association estimates that the state government is losing over ₦500 million annually due to these activities.

According to Pa Aliu Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, about 90% of these illegal farmers, who often carry weapons, come from states like Benue, Edo, Kwara, Osun, Nasarawa, and Ondo. Ibrahim noted that during Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration, illegal farmers were removed from forest reserves. However, since Daniel left office in 2011, they have returned in greater numbers, posing a significant threat to the state’s economy and security.

“The state initially had nine forest reserves, but due to illegal cocoa farming, we are left with only the Omo Forest Reserve,” Ibrahim explained. He accused these farmers of using chemicals to kill economically valuable trees that were planted with World Bank funding, before planting their cocoa and banana crops.

Ibrahim called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to take action, noting that Ondo State has successfully addressed similar issues. “These people are not more powerful than the government. Our livelihoods are at risk,” he stated.

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Mr. Opeoluwa Idowu, Secretary of the association, echoed these sentiments, urging the Ogun State government to take decisive action against the illegal cocoa farmers. “We have planted economic trees on 15 hectares, which they are also destroying. Their armed attacks are intolerable,” he stated, emphasizing that the government’s inaction has led to over ₦500 million in losses annually.

Pastor Funmileye Akinukawe, another member of the association, expressed concern that illegal cocoa farming is rapidly overtaking 90% of the Omo Forest Reserve. He revealed that licensed timber contractors contributed over ₦900 million to the state’s revenue last year, while illegal farmers transport their goods to neighboring states, causing significant revenue loss.

“We must act now to prevent our forests from turning into a battleground for these farmers,” Akinukawe warned. He urged Governor Abiodun to intervene promptly, protecting the state’s collective heritage.

The Treasurer of the association, Mr. Thomas Dehinbo, suggested that illegal farmers be relocated to designated farm settlements established for food and cash crops.

In response, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, Commissioner for Forestry, acknowledged the situation, stating, “The government is aware of this challenge and is already working on it.”