Ogun communities urge Governor Abiodun to protect land rights

Residents of Fere and Oniporogun communities in Orile-Mo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun regarding an alleged land allocation to Chinese investors. They expressed concerns that this development could render hundreds of families homeless and destroy their ancestral heritage.

During a protest at the disputed site, residents reported the deployment of bulldozers and security personnel to commence operations on land where homes had already been built. Chief Okesola Alani, the Baale of Fere, stated that the community had been engaging the government since 2017 about the need for an extension of the village, but the matter remains unresolved.

Alani emphasized that while they support industrial development, it should not come at the expense of their homes and livelihoods. He claimed that community leaders were not consulted before the land allocation and urged Governor Abiodun to protect the residents.

Salau Hamid, the Acting Chairman of the Community Development Association, echoed the plea, highlighting the struggles of residents to build homes amid economic hardship.