Ogun Communities Protest Alleged Farmland Takeover, Seek Government Intervention

In Ogun State, 20 communities in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area staged a protest on Friday against the alleged invasion and forceful seizure of their farmlands by armed personnel. The affected communities, including Odo Igbein, Tapala, Igbo Oya, Laloko, Oruntu, Eriki Awok, Eriki Nla, Jelenk, Kiregun, and others, accused Lukman Akinlad of orchestrating the land grab.

Residents highlighted the heavy presence of armed men on the farmlands, preventing them from accessing their farms and nearby river, impacting their livelihoods. The protesters called on Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Ogun State House of Assembly, and the police to intervene and address the situation.

Akinlad denied the allegations, claiming legal acquisition of 100 hectares of land for agricultural purposes. The residents demanded compensation for the affected farmlands.

Efforts to obtain a response from the state government were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.