News in brief:
– Cocoa farmers in Ondo State sued the government for selling 2000.482 hectares of their farmlands to a foreign firm.
– Farmers allege illegal sales and corruption, demanding the court declare the land sale null and void.
Cocoa farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria, recently took legal action against the state government for selling their farmlands to a foreign company, ACME Palms Limited. This case, filed in the high court of Akure, points at a significant issue affecting local farmers and poses questions about land rights, government accountability, and the future of agriculture in Nigeria.
The core of the dispute
According to a news report, the dispute centres around the sale of 2000.482 hectares of farmland located within the Oluwa Forest Reserves. The farmers argue that this transaction has stripped them of their means of livelihood and questions the legality of the government’s actions. The plaintiffs, led by their lawyer Mr. Tope Temokun, are seeking a court declaration that the sale is illegal, null, and void.
The affected farmers, represented by Irewole Muse, Kenneth Osaai, Salami Rafiu, Felix Ayeleso, Adegboyega Sunday, Jimoh Yekini, and Ojuade Funminiyi, claimed to have cultivated these lands for over 30 years. Their communities, consisting of several settlements such as Ijoba, Sete II, Ipade, Ayeleso, Isero, Temidire, and Adeleye Itamerin, rely heavily on these farmlands for their livelihoods. With about 10,000 farmers growing over two million cocoa trees, the sale of this land directly threatens their economic stability and well-being.
Legal and ethical concerns
The farmers and their lawyer allege that the sale involves shady deals and potential conflicts of interest. They claim that government officials are using their positions to facilitate these transactions for personal gain, compromising public interest. What does this imply for farmers in Ondo?
- Economic Impact: The immediate consequence is the loss of livelihood for thousands of farmers. Cocoa farming is a significant part of Ondo State’s economy, and the displacement of farmers could lead to economic instability in the region.
- Land Rights: This case underscores the importance of clear land ownership rights and the protection of these rights against unjust governmental actions. For many Nigerian farmers, land is not just an economic asset but a heritage passed down through generations.
- Governance and Transparency: The allegations of corrupt practices by government officials highlight the need for more transparent and accountable governance structures. Ensuring that land transactions are conducted fairly and legally is crucial for maintaining public trust.
While this case is specific to Ondo State, it reflects a common issue faced by farmers worldwide. Land grabbing by powerful entities, whether governmental or corporate, is a global problem that threatens food security, displaces communities, and undermines local economies.
Recall that in May last year, something similar occured when the state government was also accused of selling land in the same forest reserve to Sao Agro-Allied Services Limited, an agricultural company. The farmers had resorted to go to court after their initial defiance only led to the introduction of armed men to chase them out.
