Oba of Benin raises concern over high level of deforestation

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on government at all levels to enforce relevant laws towards preserving forests from extinction.

Oba Ewuare made the call on Wednesday in Benin while receiving a renowned traditional medical expert, Mr Clinton Odiagbe.

The traditional ruler condemned acts that were inimical to the environment sustainability including bush burning.

The spate of forestry activities such as logging, he said, was on a massive scale in Edo.

The Oba of Benin advocated restoration of natural habitats and reforestation through tree re-planting

He lamented that Benin Kingdom’s arboretum had shrunk, noting that certain species of plants and trees meant for spiritual purpose, and others that contained herbal nutrients were now scarce.

“These days that they are cutting down trees in our forest vegetation, and so-on and so forth are getting scarce. I want to appeal to everyone to join the exercise of tree planting, especially special trees.

“These special trees in the Kingdom are now scarce because they are cutting down the trees. Some of these trees are for spiritual purpose; but they are often taken for granted and sometimes neglected,” said the Oba.

Earlier, Odiagbe had highlighted the areas of enterprise he had recorded breakthrough in the field of traditional medicine in Africa.

He then bestowed Peace Service award on the Royal father.