Osun Farmers Allege Land Grabbing, Seek Government Help

Farmers from Wagaji Temidir Area in Ifetedo, Osun State, have accused traditional leaders of land grabbing and intimidation, prompting them to seek intervention from Governor Ademola Adeleke and Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi. The farmers, represented by Ibrahim Oladipo, claim that disputes over farmland allocations date back to the reign of the late Ooni Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

Tensions escalated in 2023 when Jimoh Ajayi became chairman of the committee overseeing the farmland, allegedly increasing development levies from N10,000 to N20,000 per acre. Farmers reported incidents of intimidation, including the confiscation of tools and cocoa harvests, with specific allegations against Bunmi Odetayo and others.

The farmers have filed complaints with the police, but the issues remain unresolved. Ajayi denied the allegations, asserting that the land belongs to the Ooni people and that any claims of forced seizures are untrue.

The farmers are appealing for peace to continue their agricultural activities.