Governor's kinsmen protest destruction of farmland

• Published date: 18 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Kinsmen of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Owo, Owo Local Government, have protested destruction of their cocoa farms and farmland for the purpose of establishing a cattle ranch.

The protesters asked the state government to begin payment of compensation for the land acquired for the establishment of the state-owned polytechnic, the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO).

They said, in the alternative, the government should return part of the land to the original owners.

Communities affected by the ongoing destruction of cocoa farms and other farmland include Ulura, Amurin, Oronaiye, Bobakanle, Opopogboro, Ago Adafin and Umoodun all in Owo.

Speaking in an interview with reporters in Akure, two of the community leaders, Chief Yahaya Oranaye of Owo Kingdom and Adewale Owolabi Olura, said the government acquired 1,950 hectares from the people in 1978 for the establishment of the polytechnic, upon the mutual understanding that they would not only be paid adequate compensation, but would also be assisted by the government with alternative town planning arrangements for future community expansion.

They claimed no compensation was paid, nor part of the land returned to the original owners.

The community leaders said: 'We are in a difficult position on this matter. I can bet anything that the...