Alaafin Advocates Tree Planting For Healthier Planet, Marks 130 Years Of Ogun Pepe
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, Owoade I, has underscored the importance of tree planting as a vital tool in tackling global environmental challenges and promoting a healthier planet.
Speaking through his wife, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, during a symbolic tree-planting exercise held within the Alaafin’s Palace, Oyo, the monarch described reforestation as “a powerful solution that offers numerous benefits to humanity and the planet.”
The event formed part of activities marking the 130th anniversary of the ‘Ogun Pepe’ (Pepe War) — the 1895 resistance led by the then Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu against British invasion and domination.
The commemorative programme was organized by a special committee chaired by Dr. James Adesokan Ojebode, founder of Atiba University, Oyo, with members including the retired Archbishop of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Prince Ayo Ladigbolu; Professor Sunday Olawale Okeniyi (Vice Chancellor, Atiba University); Princess Folasade Adeyemi (Arewa); Mr. Segun Oke; Hon. Wale Ogunsola; and Gbemisola Faleti, among others.
Also in attendance were several dignitaries, including the Eekarun of Oyo, Engr. Adedayo Taiwo, traditional high chiefs, and sons and daughters of Oyo town.
Ayaba Abiwunmi, speaking on behalf of the Alaafin, emphasized that “planting trees in areas that have been deforested or devoid of forests can unlock a range of positive effects. From combating climate change to fostering biodiversity, reforestation holds the key to a healthier planet and thriving communities.”
She noted that trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing roughly 30 percent of global emissions annually through photosynthesis. “When we burn or cut them down, all that carbon is released back into the atmosphere,” she warned.
According to her, trees also play a crucial role in cooling the environment, reducing urban heat, and conserving energy. “Air temperature under trees can be up to 25°F cooler than surrounding areas. Planting trees around homes can reduce heat gain and lower energy costs,” she said.
Quoting global studies, she added that achieving at least 40 percent canopy coverage in urban areas significantly reduces the heat effects of concrete surfaces and improves air quality.
“In an era of increasing air pollution, trees serve as nature’s purifiers by absorbing harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter, while releasing oxygen essential for our wellbeing,” she stressed.
Other speakers at the event described the tree planting as symbolic of the resilience and courage of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu and his people during the 1895 resistance. They noted that such commemorations foster unity, cultural pride, and tourism, thereby contributing to the social and economic vitality of Oyo.