The Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Tunji Akinosi; and the Chairman of the Ijebu East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo, on Thursday traded words over demolition of structures and enclaves erected in the forest reserves in the council area.

The state government reportedly commenced the demolition of what it called “illegal structures and enclaves” erected in its forest reserves.

While Akinosi insisted that the demolition was meant to remove illegal shanties and enclaves in the forest reserves, Adedayo described the exercise as “arson and destructions” by the state government.

Akinosi, who spoke with journalists on Thursday, said the demolition started last week in Area J1 Forest Reserve and that similar exercise was also carried out in Area J3 both in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.

He explained that the exercise would be continuous, adding that it was aimed at ridding the forest reserves of illegal occupants and loggers.

He said “It (the demolition exercise) is the removal of illegal shanties and enclaves in our forest reserves. It is not peculiar to Ijebu East J3.

“We were at J1 reserve on Thursday last week and it will be continuous as the government is desirous of cleaning up all our reserves.”

But Adedayo faulted the exercise saying, “Government has schools in these so-called shanties. We went there to campaign for votes in the last election. They pay land rent to the ministry. And, they dorm majority of our cocoa farmers. It’s just giving them a bad name to nail them.

“We confirmed the ministry was at work, and we felt such a level of horrendous destruction of properties should not happen. We were not informed. And, we are being besieged by these people right now, for things we were never part of.”

“We cannot continue like this in Ijebu East Local Government. These are the poorest of the poor being dehumanised by destroying their farms and houses. Great Awo will never allow some of us to rest if we allow this to continue.”

But the commissioner described Adedayo’s outburst, as “drama”

He asked the local government boss to contact the ministry if he has any question or needs any clarification.