Ondo: Govt Reacts As Protests Rock State Over Allocation Of 50,000 Hectares Of Land To Chinese Investors

By Ayodele Oni

A lawmaker at the Ondo state House of Assembly, Festus Akingbaso is leading a protest against the state government for allegedly taking over 50, 000 hectares of farmland at Ofosu forest reserve in Idanre local government.

Akingbaso, representing Idanre constituency at the state parliament, was joined by other affected farmers early Tuesday morning to stage peaceful protest in Idanre  over the alleged move to reallocate  their land for private use.

But, the state government has clarified that there was nothing like forceful takeover or farmers’ ejection as being claimed by the protesters.

Akingbaso, kicked against the alleged attempt by the Ondo State government to cede land of his people in Idanre to private companies.

In a protest letter, the lawmaker alleged that the state government had arrogantly given about 50,000 hectares of land in Idanre forest reserve to private business owners for the next 99 years.

The lawmaker, stated that “For some time there has been rumour and restiveness in respect of a purported move by the Government of Ondo State to cede the land of my people in Idanre to private companies.

“The fact is that the area known as Idanre Forest Reserve (A05) was submitted to the colonial power under the British indirect rule by an agreement dated 22nd day of September 1918 between Idanre Community and the colonial power represented by the Governor – General.

“The terms of the agreement are explicit. Among which is that ‘the area was constituted as a Forest Reserve for the joint use and benefit of Government and the Native communities owning the land”.

“Above term is clear and explicit and to Idanre people, it is a running covenant in respect of the area.To the dismay of Idanre people the government of Ondo state without regard or deference to the Owa of Idanre and the people has arrogantly given about 50,000 hectares of land in the area to private business owners for 99 years.

“The following companies are known to be behind the moves to grab Idanre Land. These are Blue Sky Ltd (4000 hectares), Sao Agro services Ltd (10,000 hectares) and Rex (30000 hectares).

“On Sunday the 17th day of July 2022, SAO Agro services Ltd aided by eight vehicles loaded with personnel of Amotekun security corps and officers of the Nigerian Army invaded Ofosu area with a Bulldozer to begin the destruction of farm lands of over 20,000 farmers who are presently farming on the land.

“It is our believe that to alienate about over 50,000 hectares of land to private people to the detriment of over 20,000 citizens is immoral and illegal.

“Idanre people will not watch while the government is giving away the legacies from our forefathers and what should serve the future generation of Idanre away to few business men.

“The reality on ground is that the government will not be able to manage the economic and social consequences of this move. Government exits to protect the interest of the people not few opportunists in our midst.

“I’m appealing to the Governor to stop this move and protect the image of its government as this is nothing but a move against the people.

“The so-called ceding of the land of our people to private people is against the spirit of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. This is an ill wind.”

In its reaction the state government explained that it will not displace farmers at the Ofosu forest reserve, but would integrate them for better yields and improved income.

The Senior Senior Special Assistant to the  state Governor on Agric and AgriBusiness, Pastor Akin Olotu made this declaration in Akure while speaking with journalists on the recent development at Idanre.

Olotu condemned the suggestion the state will sell the farmlands at Ofosu to Chinese Company.

He described the development at Ofosu as a mix up which would properly be addressed at an appropriate time.

The SSA said government has designed a programme to bring farmers of same produce together as a cluster like how it is being practiced in developed countries.

This, he noted, will be able to meet the disabilities requirement, to get things done in the proper way and make it easier for the extension officers and other agricultural benefits get to them through one road.

Only last week, some farmers at Bisi Camp AO3A via Odigbo in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, protested against ceding of their farmland land to Chinese businessmen, under the guise of industrialization and appealed to the Governor to rescue them from the foreigners that have started destroying their Cocoa farms in the area.