The attention of the Ondo State Government has been drawn to a recent press release titled "Protest rocks Ondo as Cocoa farmers demand sack of Governor’s Aide, Akinsola over farm destruction," which contains a number of misleading claims, emotional distortions, and deliberate misrepresentations aimed at discrediting the administration's ongoing efforts to reform and sanitize land use practices in government reserves areas across the state.
First and foremost, the Ondo State Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the welfare of genuine farmers and the responsible, equitable, and legal use of forest reserves for agricultural purposes. However, it is important to clarify and correct the public narrative being circulated:
1. Illegal Occupation and Breach of Agreement
Many of the so-called aggrieved farmers occupying the Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A) have violated existing agreements and exceeded the designated land allocation parameters. Some have encroached on restricted forest areas without proper authorization, and a few have failed to comply with agreed land use guidelines—posing both environmental and security threats.
2. Due Process and Court Orders
Contrary to the claims of disregard for court injunctions, the Ondo State Government and all agencies involved, including private entities, have strictly adhered to legal processes. Where litigation is ongoing, government agencies have acted within the bounds of the law. Any action taken is backed by documented notices, verified surveys, and legal consultations.
3. Role of Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola
Hon. Akinsola remains a dedicated public servant who has consistently represented the interests of farmers through dialogue, empowerment programs, and the promotion of sustainable agribusiness practices. Calls for his removal are clearly politically motivated and not reflective of the facts on the ground.
4. SAO Agro-Allied Services and Bank of Agriculture MD
Allegations that Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, MD of the Bank of Agriculture, is using a private firm to seize farmland are baseless and misleading. SAO Agro-Allied Services operates as a licensed investor under a Public-Private Partnership model approved by the state. Its operations are subject to government oversight and have followed transparent procedures in acquiring and developing designated agro-industrial zones—none of which involve encroaching on legally secured farms.
5. Government’s Position and Next Steps
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has not—and will not—support any form of land grabbing or unlawful destruction of legitimate farms. Investigations are ongoing to identify genuine farmers with verifiable claims and to distinguish them from speculators and illegal occupants. The Governor remains open to engagement and is working with all stakeholders to ensure fairness and protection of livelihoods.
The Ondo State Government urges the public, particularly members of the media, to avoid the politicization of sensitive issues and to seek clarification before rushing to publish one-sided narratives. We remain committed to upholding the rule of law, preserving the integrity of our forest reserves, and ensuring that agriculture remains a backbone of the state’s economy anchored on transparency and justice.
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