Cynthia Ezegwu
Farmers and residents of Aponmu community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday protested against the alleged invasion and destruction of their farmlands by land grabbers.
The protesters, who stormed the entrance of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state capital, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Powerful people have taken over our cocoa farms,” “Mr Governor, please save our souls,” and “We can’t pay our children’s school fees again.”
Leader of the protesters, Pastor Tope Akinkuade, said the community had suffered years of intimidation and violent attacks from individuals claiming to act under the authority of a traditional institution.
He lamented that the activities of the land grabbers had destroyed several cocoa farms, which were the main source of livelihood for residents.
“Our cocoa farms are being taken over by these land grabbers who invade with armed men, clear farmlands with bulldozers, and sell them off with impunity,” Akinkuade said.
He alleged that many farmers had been harassed and unjustly detained for resisting the invaders, while others had lost their means of livelihood.
According to him, the situation was worsening despite a letter sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on October 17, 2025, alerting him to the crisis.
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“On October 16, bulldozers returned with armed policemen who claimed they were acting under authority. People are now living in fear,” he added.
Responding, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and assured them that their grievances would be addressed.
“This administration is committed to protecting the lives, property, and investments of the people across the state,” Taiwo said, urging them to remain calm as the government investigates the issue.