Osun State Government has directed all farmers in GRA Shasha Forest Reserve Area of Ile-Ife to move out with immediate effect or face the wrath of law.
The Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon Sola Oladepo gave this order today during a meeting with all stakeholders in Ile-Ila Hall at Ooni’s Palace Ile Ife.
Hon Oladepo made it known that government has resolved to relocate all farmers who have encroached and registered with the government to F3 Dereserve.
According to him, a taskforce has been reconstituted by the government to monitor and enforce law and order in the Forest Reserves across the state.
He maintained that Boundary Guards currently recruited by the state government will be in the reserve always to monitor activities as well as give feedback to the government on any activity on the farm.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman House Committee on Environment and Sanitation, Engr. Benjamin Ogundipe said government’s action is not to witchunt anyone but to restore the lost glory of the reserve.
He said the restoration will be gradual with the support of farmers in the place.
Furthermore, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II said this is a new dawn in the history of Shasha Forest Reserve management.
Oba Ogunwusi then warned all farmers in the reserve Area not to disobey the directive of the State government, noting that the order will be benefical to Osun people and Ile lfe.
He showered praises on the Hon. Sola Oladepo for this feat and prayed for the success of the present administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola.
In his words the President Ile- Ife Development Board, Mr Raji Awowoyin said allocation of farmlands by an individual within the forest reserve is illegal and in line with the resolution reached with the government and Ife community. ‘Whoever does so is on his or her own and Ife will not support such’.
One of the stakeholders, Mr Ayodele Ajikale commended the state government for taking proactive steps to restore peace and unity in government reserve areas while promising that every farmer will abide by the laid down rules and regulations given by the government.
