Agric firm denies Ekiti community’s allegation of destroying economic trees

Agbeyewa Farms Limited, a leading agricultural firm in Ekiti State, has denied allegations of destroying economic trees, as claimed in a petition by the Odo-Oro Ekiti community to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The company stated that it followed due diligence in acquiring the 5,001 hectares of land allocated to it by the Ekiti State government, contrary to accusations of trespassing and encroachment.

The Odo-Oro Ekiti community, in Ikole Local Government Area, had recently petitioned the governor, alleging illegal clearing and destruction of farmland by Agbeyewa Farms. The petition, titled “Trespass/Criminal Destructions/Unlawful Encroachment on Odo-Oro Community Farmland by Agbeyewa Farms,” was signed by Barrister Kayode Akinwumi Esq., solicitor for the community.

In a press release signed by the company’s Director of Corporate Communications and Community Engagement, Dauda Lawal, and addressed to the media in Ado-Ekiti, Agbeyewa Farms reiterated that the land acquisition process adhered to all legal procedures.

“We followed all due process and due diligence in the acquisition of the 5,001 hectares of land in 2021. According to the document and mapping at the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the land covers five communities: Ipao, Odo-Oro, Itapaji, Esun, and Oke Ako. We made all necessary monetary payments directly to government accounts, and a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) was issued to us by the state government. The entire process was facilitated through the State Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate of Land Bureau,” Lawal explained.

Lawal emphasized that the company did not destroy any economic trees or engage in unauthorized transactions, as alleged in the petition.

“We have operated with due regard for all interests on the land and never engaged in any destruction of economic trees or under-the-table agreements. Claims regarding compensation should be directed to the state government, which had earlier assured all affected communities of compensation,” he added.

Lawal further stated that Agbeyewa Farms has operated strictly within the 5,001 hectares allocated, which fall under the government-gazetted Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

“Since 2021, we have not worked outside the area covered in the CofO issued by the state government. Therefore, the allegations of encroachment by the Odo-Oro community are baseless,” he asserted.

Regarding compensation, Lawal clarified that it is the responsibility of the government to address such concerns. However, he assured that the company remains open to dialogue with the Odo-Oro community and other host communities.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, Agbeyewa Farms is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture, job creation, economic growth, and community engagement. Our operations have provided employment to over 1,000 people directly and indirectly, with plans to create thousands more jobs through partnerships and investments,” he stated.

Lawal highlighted the company’s investment in Ekiti State, including plans to establish Nigeria’s largest cassava processing plant by 2026, in collaboration with multilateral development partners.

“Agbeyewa Farms is currently the largest cassava farm in Nigeria and aims to become Africa’s biggest agro-allied investment company. We urge the Odo-Oro community to direct its concerns to the Ekiti State government, which allocated the land, as no development can thrive in an atmosphere of crisis or land disputes,” he concluded.