Women of Odo-Oro community in Ikole Local Council of Ekiti State yesterday protested against the alleged destruction of their farmlands by an agricultural firm operating in the area.
Scores of the aggrieved women marched through the town with placards bearing different inscriptions to express their grievances against Agbeyewa Farms. They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, and other leaders to intervene and prevent Agbeyewa Farms from destroying their farmlands, which they described as their only source of livelihood.
Speaking on behalf of the protesting women, the Eyelobinrin Ara of Odo-Oro Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Adebomola Ogunsakin, said: “They are destroying our lands. They are cutting down our cocoa farms, cutting down our palm trees, and destroying what is left of what our forefathers gave to us.
“They are uprooting the economic trees, destroying whatever was left for us by our forefathers. If this inhumanity should continue, what do they want us to survive on?”
Receiving the protesters in his palace, the Onise of Odo-Oro, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, said the community would not allow the forceful takeover of their lands by groups or companies without necessary discussions.
While stressing that the community is not against any form of investment for economic growth, the monarch denied claims that the protest was organised to tarnish the company’s image.
Oba Jemilehin stated: “I don’t understand this kind of investment that aims to destroy people’s livelihoods and ancestral heritage. I am sure this cannot be the state government’s intention, because if they want to create food security, they are actually doing the opposite, which is food insecurity.
“I am surprised that these people are still audaciously carrying out the destruction of my people’s farmlands despite our daily cries to the government to save us from these heartless people called Agbeyewa.
“My people have spoken, and I stand with them. Our decision is that we will not continue to tolerate this injustice and inhumane behaviour from anybody.”
However, the founder of Agbeyewa Farms, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, John Olajide, urged the community to engage in dialogue and share their concerns. He said responsible investors would work with the community to ensure mutual benefits.
Olajide said he is committed to changing the economic narrative of the state through his investment, creating employment opportunities, and achieving food security.
He remarked: “The history might be the issue because some people who claimed to be investors have come here to take advantage of communities in the past. So, we understand the anxiety and fears some communities have. However, when you have genuine investors who are well-known and referenced by the government, it is important that the community partners with them.
“If there are any areas of misunderstanding, it is natural that there will be conflict from time to time. They should sit, talk, and share their concerns, and any responsible investor will carry the community along to ensure everybody wins.
“At Cavista Holdings and Agbeyewa Farms, we are about a win for the community, the government, and everybody. To create jobs, and create jobs, and also create jobs. That is our aim.”
