Angry residents of Aponmu community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene in an alleged land-grabbing incident involving some “powerful individuals” in the State.

The residents, who are mostly farmers, stormed the Governor’s Office in Akure on Monday, lamenting that their farmlands, spanning over 1,000 hectares, had been taken over by land grabbers allegedly aided by some government officials.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Mr Governor, Please Save Our Souls,” “We Can’t Pay Our Children’s School Fees,” and “Powerful People Have Taken Over Our Cocoa Farms,” the protesters accused the invaders of destroying their cocoa plantations and displacing local farmers.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, a community leader, Pastor Tope Akinkuade, warned that there could be a breakdown of law and order if the government fails to act swiftly.

“Aponmu is a multi-ethnic community that has, for over a century, accommodated people from across Nigeria, most of whom are cocoa farmers.

“Our cocoa farms – our only source of livelihood – are being destroyed by these land grabbers who invade with armed men, clear farmlands with bulldozers, and sell them off with impunity,” Akinkuade

“Our cocoa farms – our only source of livelihood – are being destroyed by these land grabbers who invade with armed men, clear farmlands with bulldozers, and sell them off with impunity,” Akinkuade.

He alleged that several farmers had been harassed, arrested and detained after resisting the invaders, citing the killing of a community leader, Emmanuel Ogboriefon, and the destruction of plantations belonging to another farmer, Charles Akinrolayo, who was detained after protesting the invasion.

Akinkuade described cocoa farming as “the lifeblood of Ondo State’s economy,” lamenting the ongoing destruction of their farmlands had thrown families into hardship and caused significant revenue losses for the state.

He revealed that the community had written to Governor Aiyedatiwa on October 17, 2025 to report the activities of the land grabbers, but the situation had worsened despite the appeal.

According to him, although the State Government once intervened to stop the attacks, the invasion resumed in mid-October when surveyors and bulldozers, escorted by armed policemen, returned to clear more farmlands.

“On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the bulldozers came again, guarded by policemen. When villagers confronted them, the policemen briefly withdrew, only to return later, claiming they were acting under some authority,” he said.

Akinkuade appealed to Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly to prevent chaos, saying the people’s patience was running out.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, urged the protesters to remain calm, assuring them that the government would look into their grievances.

Taiwo advised the community to channel their complaints through the appropriate authorities, promising that Governor Aiyedatiwa would ensure a peaceful and fair resolution.

He commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and investments across the state.

Last December, the Ondo House of Assembly achieved a significant legislative milestone with the passage of the Bill to Prohibit Forceful Entry and Illegal Occupation of Landed Properties in Ondo State.

The landmark legislation, championed by Hon. Moyinolorun Taiwo Ogunwumiju, Parliamentary Secretary of the House and Member representing Ondo West Constituency I, marked a step toward eradicating land grabbing and illegal property transactions in the state.

The session, presided over by Speaker Oladiji Olamide (Landmark), reflected the Assembly’s proactive response to the rising cases of land disputes and unlawful property dealings. (THE NATION)