Ondo State Govt says land grabbing charge untrue. – By Steve Ovirih.
The Government of Ondo State has disagreed with the allegation of Ondo state Cocoa farmers that land grabbing activities are on going in the hinterland where cocoa farm settlements are located. This reaction by government is a follow up to the protest by the farmers who alleged that land grabbers are indulging in an intentional claim of farmlands that had been used for farming over the years by indigenous farmers.
The State government described the land grabbing charge as false and an attempt that has political undertone.
The government accused some individuals of deliberately distorting facts to tarnish its ongoing land reform measures aimed at regulating and sanitising land use in government reserve areas.
In a statement credited to Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Tuesday, the state government reiterated its unwavering commitment to the welfare of legitimate farmers.
It reaffirmed that the reforms were crucial to ensuring a sustainable agricultural future in Ondo State, while addressing issues raised by the protesting farmers.
Government noted that many of the farmers currently protesting against land grabbing are themselves occupying parts of the Oluwa Forest Reserve (OA3A) without proper authorisation.
Adeniyan indicated that a good number of the farmers have overstepped the bounds of agreed land allocations and, in some cases, have encroached upon restricted forest zones, thereby jeopardizing the structure of the reserve.
The state government raised alarms about the potential security and environmental risks posed by these breaches.
Further clarifying its position, the government denied allegations that it had flouted court orders regarding land use.
It stressed that all actions related to land and forest reserves had been taken in full accordance with the law, with due consultation of legal experts, official surveys, and appropriate notifications.
The Ondo State Government says it rejects claims of arbitrary action or any breach of judicial decisions as regards the bonds on the government farm reserves.
Ondo State Govt says land grabbing charge untrue. – By Steve Ovirih.
