In Ondo State, a group of farmers is up in arms against the state government’s decision to lease their land to a Chinese company. These farmers, hailing from 24 different communities, fear that this move will threaten their very livelihoods if the government does not reconsider.
Their anger was palpable as they watched bulldozers clear away their cocoa farms, which are essential for the production of cocoa, palm oil, cashew, and other agricultural products. The affected communities, including Laosho, Ulugba, Adejori, Kabiyesi, and many others, are pleading with the government to understand the significance of their land.
To make their voices heard, the farmers took to the streets, blocking the Ondo-Ore expressway in Ondo town with placards bearing messages like “Let the Farmers Breathe,” “No Farmers, No Nation,” and “We are not Slaves.” This protest caused a major traffic jam, inconveniencing travelers for hours.
During a meeting at the palace of the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Alhaji Oluwole Bashiru, a former Secretary of Ondo West Local Council, appealed to the current administration to rectify the mistakes of the past. Oba Kiladejo also urged the farmers to remain peaceful as they seek a resolution to this pressing issue.
The farmers’ struggle highlights the importance of land rights and the impact of government decisions on local communities. It serves as a reminder of the power of unity and peaceful protest in the face of adversity.
