…as Oyo celebrates Ogun Pepe
The wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Queen Abiwunmi Owoade, has urged Nigerians to embrace tree planting and reforestation as critical solutions to the global climate crisis, highlighting that trees play a vital role in sustaining life, protecting the environment and boosting local economies.
Speaking at the launch of a tree planting program held at the former Alaafin Palace in Oyo, as part of the week-long activities marking the Memorialization of Ogun Pepe, Ayaba Owoade described reforestation as “a powerful weapon against environmental degradation and climate change.”
The event, which began this week, celebrates the bravery of the Oyo people who resisted the British colonial invasion in 1895, during the reign of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I. The conflict, called “Ogun Pepe” after the sound of gunshots, has since become a symbol of Yoruba defiance and courage against colonial oppression.
“This year’s event, organized by Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I and the memorial committee chaired by Dr. James Ojebode, includes lectures, plays, prayers, candlelight ceremonies and environmental campaigns such as the palace tree planting campaign spearheaded by the Queen Consort.
In a statement issued by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity of the
Alaafin said trees are “carbon dioxide absorption champions” and “nature’s air purifiers,” adding that forests act as carbon sinks capable of absorbing about 30 percent of global emissions annually.
“When we cut down trees or burn forests, all that carbon pollution is released into the air. However, trees not only clean our air but also host millions of species that protect us from diseases,” he said. Speaking about the role of trees in regulating temperature, Ayaba Owoade noted that “the air temperature under trees can be up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than surrounding areas,” and that planting trees in urban centers can dramatically reduce energy use and mitigate the warming effects of concrete.
“With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, where poor air quality and little shade worsen health conditions, we must act quickly to combat the heat,” he added.
The Queen, who is also a professional nurse, said trees improve respiratory health by absorbing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
Citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO), he lamented that nine out of ten people in the world breathe polluted air, causing millions of preventable deaths each year.
He also highlighted the economic benefits of reforestation and explained that tree-based industries and ecotourism can create jobs and support local livelihoods through sustainable harvesting and production.
“Reforestation projects go beyond environmental benefits. They generate income, employment and promote sustainability. Wood from responsibly managed forests can serve industries such as construction and furniture production,” said Ayaba Owoade.
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