Akure — The Sunshine State (Ondo) Government has dismissed recent claims surrounding protests by some cocoa farmers, describing the allegations as misleading and politically motivated.
The protests, centered around disputed portions of the Oluwa Forest Reserve, have sparked public debate over land use, environmental concerns, and government accountability.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting genuine farmers while addressing unlawful occupation of forest reserves.
The government disclosed that a number of protesting farmers had violated agreed terms of land usage by extending their activities beyond approved boundaries within the forest reserve. It said these actions not only breach formal agreements but also endanger protected zones and raise serious environmental and security concerns.
Reacting to accusations of defying court orders, the government stated that all decisions related to land management have followed due legal processes.
“Every step taken has been based on advice from legal counsel, land surveys, and formal notices. There has been no disregard for the judiciary,” the statement noted.
Ondo state government also cleared Hon. Rotimi Wemimo Akinsola, its Senior Special Assistant on Agribusiness, of any wrongdoing. It explained that Akinsola’s responsibilities include managing partnerships with commercial agriculture investors aimed at job creation and expanding the state’s agricultural output. Claims linking him to land seizure were described as false and politically charged
Similarly, the government distanced Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, from accusations of using a private company—SAO Agro-Allied Services—for illicit land acquisition. The statement emphasized that SAO has been operating within the bounds of a government-approved partnership since 2021, and all of its operations are legally recognized.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made it clear that his administration never pledged to support individuals occupying land illegally. He reaffirmed his support for sustainable and law-abiding agricultural growth, while investigations continue to verify the identities of legitimate farmers.
The governor called for constructive engagement among stakeholders and urged the media to avoid sensationalism. He emphasized the state’s goal of balancing economic development with environmental responsibility.
The statement concluded with a call for accurate reporting and a reminder that public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than speculation.
