…farmers blame government

Hoodlums have set fire to cocoa plantations inside the Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, sparking outrage among affected farmers.

The farmers accused agents of the Ondo State government of orchestrating the destruction, alleging that it was part of a plot to use a “dubiously obtained” court order and forcefully evict them from their farmlands.

In a petition to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, through their counsel Tope Temokun, the farmers urged urgent intervention to ensure they can access their farms and harvest their crops without victimization, harassment, or intimidation.

They also pleaded for the High Court to be allowed to determine the case fairly if the government is unwilling to resolve the matter out of court.

According to the petition, “We respectfully urge Your Excellency, in use of your good office, to investigate the role of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) under Mr. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola in this whole sad development.

“Provide protection for the farmers and ensure that their rights are respected and their interest protected under your government.

“We trust in your commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of the people of Ondo State. We hope that you will act swiftly to address this issue and prevent further suffering among the farmers.”

On his part, Akinsola said the court order was duly obtained adding that no court restrained the state government from the Oluwa Forest Reserve.

Akinsola said farmers were operating in the Forest at the pleasure of the state government.

He said it was the duty of government to attract investors and ensure investors carry out government plans.