The Odo Oro community in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State has raised alarm over alleged land encroachment and destruction of farmlands by Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a cassava-producing company.
In a petition to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Federation of Odo Oro Ekiti Development Union accused the company of trespassing and destroying their cash crops, including cocoa, cashew, and orange trees. Represented by their lawyer, Kayode Akinwumi, the group described the situation as a “brazen assault” on their livelihood.
At a press conference in Ado Ekiti, Akinwumi stated, “Our farmlands have been forcibly cleared by Agbeyewa Farms without any legal agreement or compensation.” He called for immediate government intervention to halt the destruction.
However, Agbeyewa Farms denied the allegations. According to the company’s Director of Corporate Communications, Dauda Lawal, the disputed land is part of 5,000 hectares legally allocated to them by the state government.
Lawal clarified, “We obtained the land legally, and compensation matters are the responsibility of the state government.” He urged the community to redirect their grievances to the government.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over land use in Ekiti State, with both parties standing firm on their claims.
