Farmers in Oluwa Forest Reserve in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State have petitioned Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, over alleged threat to their livelihoods.
The farmers, through their lawyer, Mr Tope Temokun, submitted the petition to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Friday in Akure.
The farmers accused a personality in one of the government agency of unsavoury acts capable of bringing the state into disrepute.
In the petition, the official was alleged of setting the farmers up for quick and forceful eviction under the guise of restoring peace.
They explained that there was a subsisting order of the Ondo State High Court restraining government from evicting the farmers from the forest reserve pending the outcome of the court’s verdicts.
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“Since 2023, there is a case in the High Court of Ondo State over forceful eviction of farmers in the Oluwa Forest Reserve with a subsisting interim order of court restraining the Ondo State Government and others from forcefully evicting the farmers.
“Now, the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) is now laying claim to ownership of Oluwa Forest Reserve, which is the subject matter of dispute before the High Court of Ondo State, asking for injunction against the occupiers of the forest reserve,”the farmers said.
The farmers said that the governor’s intervention was necessary at this time to ensure that they have access to their farm crops and that there would be no victimisation against them.
“Intervene immediately in this matter to ensure that the farmers are allowed to access their farmlands and harvest their crops without victimisation, further threats, harassment or intimidation.
“While the High Court is allowed to determine the case already presented before it, if government will not settle the matter out of court with the farmers.
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“Investigate the role of the Ondo State Agribusiness Empowerment Centre (OSAEC) under Mr Rotimi Akinsola in this whole development.
“Provide protection for the farmers and ensure that their rights are respected and their interest protected under your government.
“We trust in your commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of the people of Ondo State.
“We hope that you will act swiftly to address this issue and prevent further suffering among the farmers,” the petition read.
