…assures farmers of protection
…supports coexistence of agribusiness and local farming
By Tolulope Eniola
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed a comprehensive verification of the boundaries of the disputed forest reserve occupied by Rex Forestry Limited in Ondo West Local Government Area, as part of efforts to resolve lingering land disputes and strengthen rural investment policies.
The governor gave the directive on Monday during a meeting with representatives of 27 farming communities affected by the dispute at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said the state government was committed to implementing a well-defined land-use system that would protect the interests of farmers while creating a conducive environment for investors. He stressed that government decisions would be guided by facts and verified records rather than speculation.
According to him, varying figures have emerged regarding the size of the concession, with estimates ranging between 37,000 and 50,000 hectares, while local communities insist that nearly 10,000 hectares of the area are currently being cultivated by farmers.
To establish the true position, the governor directed the Surveyor-General to undertake a detailed boundary verification and demarcation exercise, noting that government would rely solely on authenticated findings.
He reassured farmers that their cocoa plantations would remain protected throughout the verification process.
“No cocoa farm will be touched until the verification exercise is completed,” the governor assured.
Aiyedatiwa explained that where adjustments become necessary, government would adopt a gradual transition approach rather than displacing farmers abruptly. He added that alternative farmlands and improved seedlings would be provided to those affected.
The governor also disclosed plans to develop new farm settlements under a broader agricultural reform programme aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability in the sector.
He underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between rural livelihoods and investment opportunities, describing large-scale investors as critical partners in job creation, industrial development and infrastructure expansion.
While affirming the validity of concessions granted by previous administrations, Aiyedatiwa noted that policy consistency remains essential for investor confidence and effective land administration.
He further revealed that private-sector investments were already contributing to rural development, citing the construction of a 27-kilometre road worth about N1 billion by an investor to improve access to farming communities in the area.
The governor said such infrastructure projects would enhance market access for agricultural produce and create employment opportunities for young people.
He urged residents to avoid conflicts with investors and instead channel complaints through appropriate government agencies for resolution.
Advocating a mixed land-use arrangement, Aiyedatiwa maintained that smallholder farmers and large-scale agribusiness operators must work side by side to drive sustainable agricultural growth in the state.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Emmanuel Omomowo, said the government had been actively mediating disputes arising from investor concessions within forest reserves.
He explained that Rex Forestry Limited possesses a 37,000-hectare concession, but unresolved boundary issues and competing claims by host communities necessitated government intervention.
Omomowo expressed optimism that the governor’s involvement would produce a lasting solution that protects community interests while sustaining investment.
Also speaking, the General Chairman of the Ondo Ilulade Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society, Chief Philip Akinbanjo, commended the governor for assuring farmers that their cocoa plantations would not be affected and urged all stakeholders to remain calm and cooperative.
The Special Stakeholders Adviser to Rex Forestry, Olu Agunloye, said the company had previously reached an understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture to allow farmers continue cultivation in portions of the concession not earmarked for immediate development.
He added that the company had accepted the governor’s directives and would operate within the framework being developed to promote peaceful coexistence between investors and local farmers.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Leye Akinola; as well as lawmakers, traditional rulers, senior government officials and other stakeholders.
Discover more from Trace News Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
