…says accusations politically motivated

…as State reaffirms commitment to legal land use

By Adedotun Ajayi

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The Ondo State Government has swiftly reacted to the recent protest by cocoa farmers in the State, denying allegations of land-grabbing in farm settlements, describing the claims as misleading.

The government accused some individuals of deliberately distorting facts to tarnish its ongoing land reform measures aimed at regulating and sanitising land use in government reserve areas.

In a statement issued by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Tuesday, the state government emphasised its unwavering commitment to the welfare of legitimate farmers.

It reaffirmed that the reforms were crucial to ensuring a sustainable agricultural future in Ondo State, while addressing issues raised by the protesting farmers.

The government pointed out that several of the farmers currently protesting occupy parts of the Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A) without proper authorisation.

These farmers, according to the government, have overstepped the bounds of agreed land allocations and, in some cases, have encroached upon restricted forest zones, thereby jeopardising the environment.

The state government raised alarms about the potential security and environmental risks posed by these breaches.

Further clarifying its position, the government denied allegations that it had flouted court orders regarding land use.

It stressed that all actions related to land and forest reserves had been taken in full accordance with the law, with due consultation of legal experts, official surveys, and appropriate notifications. The government categorically rejected claims of arbitrary action or any breach of judicial decisions.

The government also addressed allegations against Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agribusiness, following accusations of involvement in land grabbing.

Akinsola, the statement clarified, is responsible for overseeing large-scale agricultural initiatives, including land concessions granted to investors for commercial farming projects.

The government rejected the land-grabbing accusations, labelling them as politically motivated and unfounded, and reiterated that Akinsola’s work is part of a broader strategy to stimulate the state’s economy and create job opportunities in agribusiness.

In response to further allegations concerning Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, the government categorically denied claims that he was involved in any illegal land seizures.

Describing the allegations as baseless and malicious, the state government asserted that Sotinrin had no involvement in any actions that could be construed as land grabbing.

Additionally, the government sought to clarify the operations of SAO Agro-Allied Services, which has been working under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the state government since 2021.

The government underscored that SAO’s activities, particularly the development of agro-industrial zones, were carried out with proper procedures and full government oversight, with no illegal land acquisitions involved.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa used the opportunity to restate his administration’s stance on land use, unequivocally stating that he had never promised to support illegal occupiers of government land or forest reserves, whether during his election campaign or at any other time.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to promoting legal, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural development across the state.

“The investigation into land disputes is ongoing, and the government is focused on identifying legitimate farmers with verifiable claims, distinguishing them from illegal occupants and speculators,” the statement noted. “Only genuine farmers will be supported, and the illegal occupation of government land will not be tolerated.”

The state government concluded the statement by urging the public and the media to exercise caution and verify facts before publishing reports.

It called on the media to offer fair, balanced, and well-researched coverage, assuring that the government remains dedicated to transparency, environmental sustainability, and fostering the growth of agriculture as the state’s economic pillar.