By Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has issued a strong vow to reclaim all farmlands within the state that were illegally acquired by certain companies. Speaking in Benin City on Friday while receiving members of the Association of Cocoa Farmers, the Deputy Governor highlighted that some of these land acquisitions were facilitated through proxies, raising concerns about their legitimacy and fairness to rightful owners.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Friday Aghedo, the Deputy Governor provided assurance that the government would adhere strictly to due process in the effort to retrieve these illegally obtained lands and return them to their rightful proprietors. He specifically commended the members of the Cocoa Farmers Association from the Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East Local Government Areas for their adherence to the law, despite the apparent challenges they are currently facing regarding land ownership.
Deputy Governor Idahosa reiterated the campaign promise made by Governor Monday Okpebholo to the farmers of Edo State, emphasizing that their welfare remains a paramount priority for the current administration. He reminded the farmers that having extensively campaigned across all 18 local government areas of the state, the Governor is acutely aware of the significant socio-economic contributions that farmers make to their respective local communities and to the overall economy of Edo State.
Mr. Idahosa further stated that by consistently fulfilling their civic duty of paying taxes to the state government, farmers would be safeguarding their land rights and ensuring they receive their due benefits. He underscored that the government is actively implementing measures aimed at minimizing the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders. Additionally, he affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens within Edo State.
Earlier in the meeting, the cocoa farmers, led by Mr. Bello Osaretin, brought forth serious allegations of collusion between certain civil servants from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and some Chinese entities. They alleged that these individuals were working together to facilitate the sale of the Ohosu and Okomu Forest Reserves, which are vital agricultural and ecological areas within the state.
Mr. Osaretin further claimed that if the current administration fails to intervene and address this alleged land grabbing, over 40 major communities presently occupied by farmers in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area could cease to exist. This alarming prospect underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, prompting the government’s strong stance against illegal land acquisitions and its commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of Edo State’s farming communities.
