The foremost civil society group in Ondo State, Ondo Redemption Front has urged the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to investigate the allocation of farmlands in the State's agricultural settlements. The group alleged that there have been fraudulent allocations and exploitation of land.
According to the group, the previous administration's initiative to reallocate agricultural lands in the State's farm settlements has not fully achieved its intended purpose. The group claimed that some individuals who acquired the lands at a subsidized rate intended for investors have exploited the opportunity by subletting or reselling the lands to local farmers at much higher prices.
In a statement released to the press by the Publicity Director of ORF, Yomi Adebayo, and signed by the chairman of the group, Comr. Ayodeji Ologun, it was alleged that some of the past government officials exploited the opportunity by acquiring the lands at the low rate intended for investors, only to sublet them at much higher prices.
"In some cases, these plots were resold to local farmers at rates as high as 10,000 Naira per plot, significantly inflating the cost and undermining the initiative’s intended purpose.
"This is a clear case of theft from both the government and the people of Ondo State. It’s a betrayal of public trust and an exploitation of our local farmers.
"In light of this, the ORF is tasking the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take immediate action. We are demanding a thorough investigation into the allocation process to determine how the lands were distributed and who benefited from the scheme. We also urge the government to protect the rights of the displaced farmers, either by restoring them to their lands or by providing alternative farming opportunities." The group said.
The group also urged the Government of Ondo State to reclaim the lands that were allocated under fraudulent circumstances and stressed the importance of transparent and fair future allocations to prevent similar issues from arising.
"This situation underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources and highlights the importance of policies that genuinely benefit the community," ORF concluded.
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