The Odo Oro Ekiti community has petitioned Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, over the alleged encroachment of their farmlands by an organisation, Agbeyewa Farms.
The community, located in the Ikole local government area of the state, accused Agbeyewa Farms Limited of destroying their farmlands, where different cash crops were planted.
This is contained in a letter entitled “Trespass/criminal destructions/unlawful encroachment on Odo Oro community farmlands by Agbeyewa Farms,” addressed to the governor and signed by Kayode Akinwumi Esq, on behalf of their lawyers.
The letter reads in part, “We write as Solicitors to the Federation of Odo Oro Ekiti Development Union (FODU), ably represented by High Chief Omoniyi Joseph Bamisaye, Aun land-owning family, represented by High Chief Omotayo Akeredolu, Ikasi land-owning family, represented by Chief Koya Olaseinde and other land-owning families in Ona, Otun and Osi Quarters in Odo Oro Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, affected by the illegal clearing and destruction of farms and other activities of Agbeyewa Farms Ltd on Odo Oro Ekiti expanse land”.
He appealed to the governor to intervene on the matter relating to the Oko Aun and Oko Ikasi farmlands, all in Igboroko farmland along Itapaji Ekiti Road, Odo Oro Ekiti.
Responding to the encroachment allegation, the Director of Corporate Communications and Engagement at Agbeyewa Farms Limited, Mr Dauda Lawal, said they firmly believe the claims are unfounded and misdirected.
He said, “The 5,000 hectares of land allocated to us by the Ekiti State government, spanning Ipao, Esun, Odo-Oro, and Itapaji communities, was obtained legally and through due process.
“All monetary payments for the land were made directly to the government accounts, as required by the law, and CofO was given to us by the state government. We did not engage in under-the-table transactions or sign agreements with individuals or groups outside government channels.”
