Ondo: Cocoa Farmers Urge Akeredolu To Stop  Foreign Firm Destroying Their Farms

By Ayodele Oni

An alleged sale of several hectares of farmland to a foreign firm by Ondo state government has pitched some farmers against the administration.

Some Farmers whose farmland was affected by the deal have cried out to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to intervene as their only source of livelihood is about to be destroyed.

The Farmers, numbering about 200 residing at Bisi Camp AO3A via Odigbo in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, appealed to the Governor to rescue them from the foreigners that have started destroying their Cocoa farms in the area.

Their spokesperson, Oluborode Olakunle explained that a company identified as Sweden Farm has started bulldozing their Cocoa plantation under the guise of industrialization.

Oluborode pointed out that this was despite the fact that the farmers residing at Bisi Camp have been paying their annual tax to the present administration.

He stated that one of the officials of the foreign firm identified as  Mr. Henry, who is the Bush Manager of the company, had earlier told the farmers that only Melina plantation was sold by State Government and that Cocoa farms in the area would not be destroyed.

According to Oluborode, the Bush Manager of the company also claimed that Ondo State Government has sold the Forest reserve from Bisi Camp to Asewele Community worth 100,000 hectares of land.

He lamented that it was unfortunate that government, that has been clamouring for increase in cocoa production can invite foreigners to take over farmers plantation.

Apart from regular payment of taxes by the farmers, the spokesman said they have been cooperating with the government of the day, especially in the area of security.

The affected farmers however urged Governor  Akeredolu to help prevail on the foreign firm from bulldozing their farmlands as the remain their only source of living and their last hope.