A coalition of environmental organisations has accused the Oyo State Government of failing to conduct a legally required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencing the destruction of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve to make way for the proposed Baywood Estate, a luxury residential project.
The coalition, comprising prominent environmental advocacy groups across Nigeria, issued a statement on Saturday refuting claims by Williams Akin-Funmilayo, Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, that due process was followed for the project.
Akin-Funmilayo had earlier told TheCable that an EIA was conducted before the project began and that the findings were “favourable.” However, he could not provide a copy of the EIA report or details of its content when requested.
In a strongly worded response signed by representatives including Oladipo Olasope, Joseph Onoja, Fatsuma Olaleru, and Rosalie Ann Modder-Oyefeso, the coalition described the commissioner’s claim as “false” and a “gross misrepresentation of facts.”
The coalition includes organisations such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Wildlife Society of Nigeria (WISON), Biodiversity Preservation Centre (BPC), Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST), and Bodija Estate Residents’ Association (BERA), among others.
“We are surprised that after several adjournments in court, the Oyo State Government, Baywood Infrastructure, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have been unable to produce the EIA report in court. As stakeholders, we were not consulted, and there was no publication in the media as required by law,” the statement read.
Citing provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, the coalition argued that the law mandates public participation and consultation for all major projects impacting the environment. It stressed that the destruction of the forest reserve violates these legal requirements and has far-reaching negative consequences for biodiversity and sustainable development.
The coalition further condemned what it described as a troubling trend of converting conservation areas into luxury estates for affluent individuals. It demanded that the government produce evidence of the alleged EIA, including the report and supporting documents, and immediately halt all activities on the Ogunpa Forest Reserve.
“We demand that the destruction be reversed by replanting trees to restore the ecosystem. The Save Ogunpa Forest Group will continue to advocate for the protection of our environment and the preservation of our natural heritage. We urge all concerned citizens to join us in this fight,” the coalition stated.
This controversy underscores a broader national concern about the increasing encroachment on conservation centres for urban development, raising alarm over the potential long-term environmental, social, and economic repercussions.
Efforts to obtain further comments from the Oyo State Government and Baywood Infrastructure were unsuccessful as of press time.
