Some women of Odo-Oro Ekiti in Ikole local government area of Ekiti State on Monday trooped to the streets to peacefully protest alleged destruction of their farmlands by an agriculture firm.
The protesting women in their numbers matched round the community with placards accusing the firm, Agbeyewa Farms of destroying their sources of livelihood which they described as heritage bequeathed to them by their forefathers.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Senator Cyril Fasuyi and other leaders to prevail on the agric firm to desist from destroying their farmlands.
The Eyelobinrin Ara of Odooro Kingdom, Chief (Mrs) Adebomola Ogunsakin who spoke on behalf of the protesting women, lamented that economic tress like cocoa trees, palm trees among others were being destroyed on their farmlands.
“They are destroying what is left of what our forefathers gave to us. They are uprooting the economic trees, destroying whatever was left for us for our forefathers. If this inhumanity should continue, what do they want us to survive on?” Ogunsakin said.
Also, the Onise of Odo-Oro, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin who addressed the protesters at his palace said the community would not allow the forceful takeover of their lands by groups or companies without necessary discussions.
The traditional ruler noted that the community was not against any form of investment for economic growth.
“I don’t understand this kind of investment which is poised at making people’s livelihood and ancestral heritage disappear. I am sure this cannot be the intention of the state government because if they want to create food security, they are actually doing the opposite which is food insecurity.
“My people have spoken and I stand with them and our decision is that, we will not continue to tolerate this injustice and inhumane behaviour from anybody,” Oba Jemilehin said.
Reacting to the allegation, founder of Agbeyewa farms, a subsidiary of Cavista holdings, Mr John Olajide said his interest is in deepening the economic fortune of the state for employment opportunities and food security.
“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 some of the anxiety and fears some communities have, but when you have genuine investors that are well known and referenced by the government, it is important that the community partner 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 investors will carry the people along to ensure that everybody wins,” Olajide said.
He added that the interest of his firm was for the people, the community and Ekiti State Government to benefit through job creation.
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