AIYEDATIWA ORDERS FOREST RESERVE AUDIT, VOWS TO PROTECT FARMERS AS ONDO PUSHES MIXED LAND-USE DEVELOPMENT

AIYEDATIWA ORDERS FOREST RESERVE AUDIT, VOWS TO PROTECT FARMERS AS ONDO PUSHES MIXED LAND-USE DEVELOPMENT

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered a comprehensive boundary audit of a disputed forest reserve linked to Rex Forestry Limited in Ondo West Local Government Area, as the state government moves to address concerns raised by farmers while sustaining investment in the agricultural sector.

The governor gave the directive on Monday during a meeting with representatives of 27 communities affected by the dispute at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure.

According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the audit is necessary to establish the exact boundaries of the concession and provide a factual basis for government decisions regarding land use in the area.

He explained that conflicting figures have emerged regarding the size of the concession, with estimates ranging between 37,000 and 50,000 hectares, while local communities claim that about 10,000 hectares are currently being cultivated by farmers.

To resolve the discrepancies, the governor directed the Surveyor-General of the state to carry out a detailed verification and demarcation exercise.

He assured farmers that no cocoa plantations would be destroyed during the verification process, emphasizing that all existing farms would remain intact until the audit is completed.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that his administration remains committed to protecting the livelihoods of farmers while also creating an enabling environment for investors whose operations contribute to economic growth and job creation.

He noted that where adjustments become necessary after the verification exercise, the government would adopt a phased and consultative approach rather than forceful displacement.

The governor added that affected farmers would be supported with alternative farmlands and improved seedlings where necessary, while plans are underway to establish new farm settlements as part of a broader agricultural development programme.

Speaking on the importance of private-sector participation in agriculture, Aiyedatiwa said large-scale investments remain critical to expanding production, creating employment opportunities and improving rural infrastructure.

He also stressed that concessions lawfully granted by previous administrations remain valid and must be respected in line with established government policies.

The governor revealed that a private investor is currently constructing a 27-kilometre road valued at approximately N1 billion within the area, a project expected to improve access to farming communities and boost economic activities.

He urged residents to maintain peaceful relations with investors and channel any grievances through appropriate government institutions.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further advocated a mixed land-use system that allows both smallholder farmers and large-scale agricultural investors to operate within clearly defined boundaries, describing the model as essential for sustainable agricultural development in Ondo State.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA), Emmanuel Omomowo, said the government had been actively engaging stakeholders to address disputes arising from investor concessions within forest reserves.

According to him, Rex Forestry Limited holds a concession covering 37,000 hectares, but boundary uncertainties and competing claims by host communities necessitated government intervention.

Omomowo expressed confidence that the governor’s directive would lead to a balanced resolution that protects community interests while preserving investor confidence.

The General Chairman of the Ondo Ilulade Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Society, Chief Philip Akinbanjo, commended the governor for reassuring farmers that their cocoa plantations would not be affected during the verification exercise.

Also speaking, the Special Stakeholders Adviser to Rex Forestry Limited, Olu Agunloye, said the company had previously agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture to allow farmers to continue cultivation in areas not designated for clearing.

He stated that the company would comply with the governor’s directives and support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence between farmers and investors.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry Engr. Leye Akinola, lawmakers, traditional rulers, senior government officials and other stakeholders.