The role of land use in carbon sequestration potential of the tropical rainforest ecosystems is well appreciated and reported globally due to the effects on climate change. This study examines the impact of land use on carbon pools and carbon sequestration capacity of Idanre Forest Reserve, Ondo State. Data were collected from various components including live trees, standing dead trees, lying deadwood, tree stumps, grasses, herbs, litter, and soil samples. Aboveground biomass carbon (AGC) was calculated by multiplying wood density by volume, while belowground biomass carbon (BGC) was estimated using the root-to-shoot ratio. Soil carbon concentration was determined through the Walkley–Black method. The results revealed variations in carbon stocks across both land use classes and carbon pools (live trees, standing dead trees, lying deadwood, tree stumps, grasses, herbs, litter, and soil samples). The natural forest had the highest mean carbon stocks, with 460.87 tons/ha for AGC and 96.94 tons/ha for BGC. Among the carbon pools, live trees held the largest carbon stock, accounting for 444.84 tons/ha, with a mean value of 272.07 ± 60.12 tons/ha. Statistical analysis (P<0.05) confirmed significant differences among both the carbon pools in the land use classes. The study concluded that live trees contribute to approximately 80% of the carbon sequestration potential in tropical rainforest ecosystems.