The Ondo State Government has responded to recent protests by some cocoa farmers, describing their claims as misleading and an attempt to undermine ongoing efforts to reform land use in forest reserves.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government emphasized that its policies are geared towards ensuring responsible and lawful agricultural activities in declassified, degraded forest reserves.
The protest, which reportedly involved farmers occupying parts of the Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A), has drawn public attention.
However, the government stated that many of these farmers had violated existing agreements, expanded beyond allocated lands, and encroached on protected zones, thereby posing environmental and security risks.
“Contrary to accusations of disobeying court injunctions, the government and its partners have strictly adhered to due process, relying on legal advice, surveys, and official communications,” the statement said.
The government also addressed allegations against some of its officials. Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Agribusiness, was defended against accusations of land grabbing.
The statement clarified that his role involves overseeing large-scale agribusiness investments aimed at job creation and economic growth.
In a related clarification, the government described allegations against Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director of the federal Bank of Agriculture, as “malicious and unfounded.” Sotinrin, who is linked with SAO Agro-Allied Services, was accused of using a private firm to seize lands, a claim the government dismissed. It affirmed that SAO Agro operates under a state-approved Public-Private Partnership since 2021, and all its activities are regulated and transparent.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to legal, inclusive agricultural development, stressing that he never promised to support illegal occupation of government land at any time, including during his election campaign.
An investigation is ongoing to verify legitimate claims by genuine farmers and to distinguish them from illegal settlers and speculators. The government urged the public and media to seek accurate information before drawing conclusions or reporting on sensitive issues.
“Our administration remains committed to transparency, environmental sustainability, and agricultural growth as a cornerstone of the state’s economy,” the statement concluded.
