Residents of Ajogbo Akia Community in Ado-Odo Kingdom, Ogun State, have raised the alarm over the alleged destruction of their farmlands and agricultural plantations, accusing suspected land grabbers and impostors of threatening the economic survival of the predominantly agrarian community.
The community, led by its Baalè, Dr Oluwasegun Adebiyi, disclosed at a press conference on Tuesday, where it appealed to the Ogun State Government to urgently intervene and provide relief to farmers and families allegedly affected by the destruction.
Adebiyi said the community had for generations depended on agriculture for food, income and sustenance, but alleged activities surrounding the disputed land had resulted in the destruction of crops and valuable agricultural assets.
He listed cassava, yam, maize, okra and other crops among those allegedly destroyed, while also claiming that mature palm trees and plantations that had existed for between 50 and 100 years were affected.
“For a community whose principal source of livelihood is agriculture, this means that we have lost virtually everything we depend upon to survive,” Adebiyi said.
He explained that the alleged destruction had left farmers without expected harvests, reduced household incomes and worsened food insecurity among residents.
The Baalè stressed that the community had not resorted to self-help, saying the matter had been reported to the police and taken before the courts.
According to him, the community chose the legal process because it believes in the rule of law and would respect the eventual determination of the court.
“We have taken the matter to court. We have chosen the lawful path. We have confidence in the judiciary and will respect the determination of the court,” he said.
Adebiyi clarified that the community’s appeal to the state government was not a request for it to determine the ownership dispute, but for humanitarian assistance for residents whose livelihoods he said had been affected by the alleged destruction.
He urged Governor Dapo Abiodun and relevant government agencies to visit Ajogbo Akia, assess the situation and support affected residents pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The community’s concerns have also attracted the attention of the Ogun State Police Command.
The Command disclosed that the Commissioner, CP Bode Ojajuni, had ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into allegations of farmland destruction, criminal intimidation, trespass and suspected land-grabbing activities in the area.
The police said the investigation would establish the facts and identify anyone found culpable.
While noting that disputes over land ownership, title and boundaries are civil matters to be determined by competent courts, the Command said alleged criminal acts such as malicious damage to crops, destruction of property, criminal trespass and threats to life could be reported for investigation and possible prosecution.
The police also ordered intensified patrols around Ajogbo Akia and adjoining agricultural corridors to protect farmers and residents and prevent possible breaches of peace.
According to the Command, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in the jurisdiction have been directed to deploy high-visibility patrols and intelligence personnel to the area on a day-and-night basis.
The police commended Adebiyi and other community leaders for seeking law enforcement intervention rather than resorting to violence.
Adebiyi appealed to the state government to provide emergency food and livelihood support to affected families, agricultural inputs for farmers seeking to restart production and assistance for residents who have suffered severe economic losses.
He also called for an independent assessment and documentation of the alleged destruction to establish the scale of the losses suffered by the community.
“We are not asking the government to prejudge the case before the court. We are asking the government to help its citizens survive while justice takes its course,” he said.
He added, “Justice may take time, but hunger cannot wait.”
The community leader said the alleged farmland destruction had compounded longstanding challenges confronting Ajogbo Akia, which he described as a community with limited government presence and basic infrastructure.
He said the community lacked electricity, adequate public road infrastructure, a government-owned school and a primary healthcare facility.
According to him, residents had written to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja over the electricity problem without achieving the desired result.
Adebiyi said residents had nevertheless continued to contribute personally and collectively to the development of the community.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government to address the infrastructure deficit while also protecting the community’s agricultural economy.
The Baalè reiterated that Ajogbo Akia residents remained peaceful and law-abiding and would continue to pursue the land matter through lawful channels.
He urged security agencies to prevent further alleged destruction or intimidation and called on the media to draw attention to the plight of affected farmers.
“Our message is simple. We are not asking government to decide our case. We are asking government to save our people from economic devastation while the case is before the court.
“We have lost our farms. We have lost our crops. We have lost our livelihood. We need urgent relief and support to rebuild our lives,” Adebiyi said.
The community maintained that its immediate request was for humanitarian intervention to cushion the impact of the alleged destruction while the courts determine the underlying land dispute.
