• Farmers and youths staged a peaceful protest against alleged illegal invasion and destruction of farmlands by suspected land grabbers.
• Crops destroyed include cassava, cocoa, and oil palm, with losses reportedly worth millions of naira.
• Over 500 farmers are affected, losing their primary source of livelihood.
• Protesters marched to the state governor’s office in Akure carrying placards:
  • “Stop Destroying Our Farmlands”
  • “Powerful people have taken over our cocoa farms”
  • “Aponmu Is Not for Sale”
  • “Mr governor pls save our soul”

Community Claims:

• Land grabbers allegedly claim to be working for influential individuals in the state.
• Some invaders come with security personnel and weapons.
• Farmers who resisted have faced harassment, arrest, or intimidation.
• Past incidents include:
  • Killing of community leader Emmanuel Ogboriefon
  • Destruction of Charles Akinrolayo’s cocoa plantations, with him detained after protest

Government Response:

• Protesters submitted a “Save Our Soul” letter to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
• Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, met the protesters:
  • Called for calm and proper channels for complaints
  • Pledged government commitment to a peaceful and just resolution
  • Commended the farmers for peaceful conduct

Key Concerns:

• Cocoa farming is crucial to Ondo State’s economy and Nigeria’s GDP.
• Continuous invasions threaten peace, livelihoods, and state revenue.
• Protesters warned that further encroachments could escalate into serious unrest.

Context:

• Situation reignited in mid-October when surveyors and earth-moving machines, escorted by police, returned to clear farms.