….We’ll integrate affected farmers —Ondo Govt
Report says farmers in Idanre have staged a peaceful protest in Idanre today over the alleged move to take over their land for private use.
Business and other normal activities were paralyzed earlier today in Idanre, Ondo State as the people of the agrarian kingdom trooped out in their large numbers to protest the planned Ondo State Government take over of their forest reserve.
Major roads and strategic locations in Odode Idanre, Alade Idanre and Atosin Idanre, the three main towns in the community were blocked by the people in the process of demonstration which was largely peaceful.
Placards bearing various inscriptions like,”Ondo State Government should leave our forest for us“, “We depend on our farming activities for survival” etc etc were carried by the protesters who cut across various classes of people and sexes.”
This is just as Hon Festus Akingbaso, the Member Representing Idanre Constituency at the Ondo State House of Assembly, has 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, Hon Akingbaso popularly known as Fessywest, 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 who also the 2023 PDP Candidate for Idanre/Ifedore federal constituency, said, “For some time there has been rumours 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 s 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,” Hon Akingbaso lamented.
ONDO GOVT DEFENDS ACTION
Ondo State Government has said 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 Ondo 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 said the move was to condemn the insinuations of the alleged sales of the farmlands at Ofosu to Chinese Company by the State Government.
Pastor Olotu 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.
