Gani Adams backs Akeredolu over eviction of herdsmen from Ondo forest reserves

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has supported the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, stating he has the constitutional right to give the notice to quit to illegal residents in the state’s forest reserves.

4wardwego had reported that Akeredolu on Monday ordered herdsmen to leave the state’s forest reserves within seven days.

But the Northern Elders’ Forum directed the Fulani herdsmen to disregard the notice to quit forest reserves in the state.

Also, the Presidency, in a statement by the President’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, also faulted the governor, saying he should not act outside his constitutional powers.

However, reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 20, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, Gani Adams said the Presidency had failed to address the security situation across the country.

Gani Adams stated, “Garba Shehu/Presidency apparently doesn’t know the meaning of forest reserves. It’s not accessible except to authorised personnel/loggers. Apart from the place being a place for valued cash trees, it also means a haven of safety for protected animals against poachers.

“The herdsmen living in the forests are not only unauthorised, but they also would likely cut down trees to make fires and must also kill animals for food.”

Three senior lawyers and groups, including Afenifere and the Yoruba Council of Elders, on Wednesday, also criticised the Presidency over its stand on the Ondo State Government’s ultimatum to herdsmen in the state’s forest reserves.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned against actions that could incite peace in the state.

According to the governor, no individual or group has the right to initiate forceful eviction of the Fulanis from Oyo State.

Makinde gave the warning in a statewide broadcast, on Wednesday, January 20.

This was in reaction to the ultimatum that was reportedly given to the Fulanis in the state by Chief Sunday Adeyemo, a.k.a Sunday Igboho, a popular businessman and activist from the Oke Ogun axis of the state.

He warned that any erring person would be made to face the wrath of the law.