The Ondo State Government has debunked reports surrounding a protest by some cocoa farmers over alleged land disputes, describing the narratives as misleading, emotionally charged, and deliberately crafted to tarnish the state’s reform efforts in forest reserve management.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 6, 2025, by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, the government clarified its position, stressing that it remains committed to the welfare of genuine farmers and the lawful use of declassified forest lands for agriculture.
The government explained that many of the protesting farmers in the Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A) have violated land agreements and encroached into restricted zones, raising serious environmental and security concerns. It also dismissed claims of disregarding court orders, insisting that all actions have followed legal processes, backed by expert counsel, verified surveys, and documented notifications.
Addressing allegations against Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, the governor’s aide on agribusiness, the statement noted that his role focuses on attracting and managing large-scale agricultural investments. Accusations of land grabbing were described as false and politically motivated.
Similarly, the government defended Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, and SAO Agro-Allied Services, saying both have operated transparently under approved public-private partnerships since 2021, with no involvement in illegal farmland acquisition.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for unlawful occupation of government lands and emphasized that no promises were made to support such actions. An investigation is underway to identify legitimate farmers with valid claims, separate from speculators and encroachers.
He assured stakeholders of the government’s openness to dialogue, while urging the public to verify facts before circulating misleading information.
The administration, the statement concluded, stands firm on its commitment to environmental sustainability, lawful land use, and agricultural development as key drivers of the state’s economy.
