Oyo APC Candidate Vows To Restore Awolowo, Akintola-Era Farm Settlements

Alli, who expressed concern over recent developments surrounding some of the settlements, described them as strategic agricultural assets that should not be sacrificed for short-term financial gains.

He acknowledged the present administration’s plan to transform the farm settlements into agricultural hubs but raised concerns over what he described as disturbing developments involving some of the facilities.

According to him, a loan of over N7 billion secured by the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the purchase of tractors was allegedly diverted by the present government to upgrade the farm settlements into agricultural hubs.

Alli also alleged that the 4,000-hectare Eruwa Farm Settlement was handed over to investors almost two years ago, but that no meaningful development had commenced on the land.

He stressed that the Eruwa Farm Waterworks, a legacy of Awolowo located within the settlement, had significant agricultural potential, noting that its rehabilitation could provide water to communities across Ibarapa and support dry-season farming.

The APC candidate also called for the revival of the large cashew plantation at New Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, saying the plantation could contribute significantly to the state’s agricultural development if properly rehabilitated and managed.

Alli further expressed concern over developments in Saki West and Ogbomoso, where communities had reportedly appealed to the government to reconsider alleged plans to hand over government-owned agricultural land to private investors and developers.

He described reports that the ministry of agriculture had allegedly issued a notice directing farm settlers in Ogbomoso to vacate the land before December 30, 2026, as particularly disturbing.

“I am seriously opposed to a situation where government would see land meant for agricultural purposes as an avenue to make quick money, either through direct sales of such government land or through controversial PPP arrangements,” Alli said.

He maintained that the farm settlements and agricultural lands were legacies bequeathed by past leaders for clearly defined purposes, stressing that the reasons for their establishment remained relevant despite changing times.

According to him, each farm settlement was designed around the comparative advantages of its location, making it imperative for successive administrations to preserve and develop them rather than convert them to unrelated uses.

“All these farm settlements and parcels of land are legacies bequeathed to us by our heroes past. Agriculture remains a veritable source of providing food and jobs for our people, and we must guard these legacies jealously for ourselves and future generations,” he said.

Alli promised that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would immediately review the status of all farm settlements and agricultural lands in the state, with a view to restoring government control and returning them to their original purposes.

He said his administration would preserve the agricultural vision of Awolowo and Akintola, whom he described as great leaders and visionaries, particularly the late Akintola as an illustrious son of Oyo State.

The APC candidate also promised broad stakeholder participation in decisions concerning public assets, stressing that no common asset would be disposed of or repurposed without adequate consultation.

Alli appealed to the present administration to listen to the concerns of communities in Saki and Ogbomoso, particularly over alleged plans to hand over the Veterinary Land in Saki and Ogbomoso Farm Settlements to private investors.

He said the government should respect the position of host communities where residents had expressed opposition to such plans, insisting that responsible governance required listening to the people directly affected by government decisions.