The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has called on government at all levels in Nigeria to enforce relevant laws towards preserving forests.
He bemoaned the spate of deforestation and logging of trees on a massive scale in Edo State, and called for tree planting aimed at restoring the natural habitat.
The traditional ruler who made this known yesterday when he received a renowned traditional medicine expert, Mr Clinton Odiagbe in his palace in Benin City, condemned acts that are inimical to the environment including bush burning.
Oba Ewuare II lamented that Benin Kingdom arboretum where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for several reasons, has shrunk, adding that certain species of plants and trees meant for spiritual purpose and others that contain herbal nutrients are scarce.
According to him, “These days that they are cutting down trees in our forest vegetation, 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,” Oba Ewuare said.
The monarch also said, “We want to appeal to the state and the federal government to help preserve essential trees, particularly those species that are used for herbal purpose like the stem bark…
al medicine.”
Earlier, Mr Clinton Odiagbe highlighted areas they have recorded breakthrough in the field of traditional medicine in Africa and thereafter, bestowed Peace Service Award on the royal father.
