CurrentReport Blog In a bold stance against the Ondo State government’s decision to lease their land to a Chinese company, farmers from over 24 communities within the state have voiced their vehement opposition. This move, they argue, poses a significant threat to their livelihoods and agricultural heritage.
The affected farmers, deeply disturbed by the sight of bulldozers demolishing their cocoa farms, took to the streets to express their discontent. They implored the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the crucial role their land plays in the cultivation of cocoa, palm oil, cashew, and other vital agricultural products.
Communities such as Laosho, Ulugba, Adejori, Kabiyesi, and many others find themselves at the forefront of this struggle, collectively resisting the encroachment on their ancestral lands.
Displaying placards adorned with poignant messages such as “Let the Farmers Breathe” and “No Farmers, No Nation,” the protesters made their grievances clear. The blockade of the Ondo-Ore expressway underscored the urgency and seriousness of their cause, causing significant disruptions to daily life and travel.
Former Secretary of Ondo West Local Council, Alhaji Oluwole Bashiru, made a heartfelt appeal to the current administration, urging them to rectify the injustices of the past. Additionally, Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo, called for peace and dialogue as the most effective means of addressing this pressing issue.
