Residents of Ilara Remo in Ogun State’s Remo North Local Government staged a protest on Wednesday, voicing their anger over the alleged forceful takeover of over 500 hectares of their farmland.
The community claims that officials from an international company, with supposed backing from the state government, are behind this land-grabbing incident.
The protesters, led by their regent, Chief Olukoya Sodunola, carried placards with messages such as “Gov Dapo Abiodun, save us from destruction” and “Idongan land is not for sale.” They accused the officials of threatening to deploy soldiers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives to intimidate them.
Chief Sodunola expressed the community’s frustration: “About six days ago, we woke up to find people entering our farmland with caterpillars, destroying our cassava, maize, and vegetables. When we asked who they were, they claimed to be from the state government but had no identification or permission. When we insisted they stop, they threatened us with soldiers and DSS operatives.”
He also emphasized the community’s long history with the land, saying, “Our community has existed for over 500 years. We have already given hundreds of hectares for the international airport and Technical College, but we need the remaining land for farming and future development. We cannot let these actions erase our heritage.”
Another resident, Joseph Oyetola, expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s disheartening that after giving up land for the Cargo Airport and Technical College, outsiders now want to take the little we have left for farming and development. We believe this is not a government-sanctioned act, which is why we are pleading with Governor Abiodun for intervention.”
Alaba Sotayo, another protester, claimed that the officials said they represented the Arise Group of Companies. “They met with us before, and we made it clear that the remaining land is for farming and community use. Now they are trying to take it. How will we feed our families if they take everything from us?”
In response to the protest, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Abiodun on Information and Strategy, stated that the land was acquired by the government about 20 years ago for public use, including the development of the Gateway International Airport. “Compensation for the land was paid during the acquisition, and stakeholder meetings have been held with the affected communities. The Arise Group is developing the airport through a Public-Private Partnership and is currently working on a Resettlement Action Plan for the affected community members, including those from Ilara.”
Akinmade also mentioned that another community meeting would be held before the end of the week to address the residents’ concerns.
