Thousands of farmers in Oka communities within Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed relief following the timely intervention of Akogun Olugbenga Omole and the Olubaka of Oka Land, Oba Yusuf Adebori Adeleye, over fears of alleged eviction from their farmlands.
The tension reportedly arose from a government agricultural initiative that was initially misunderstood by farmers, creating panic among residents who have lawfully occupied and cultivated the lands since 1986.
However, following the intervention of Hon. Omole and Oba Adeleye, the Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Olaleye Akinola, clarified that the state government had no plans to eject farmers from their farmlands.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative is part of a government-backed tree planting programme aimed at supporting farmers while promoting environmental sustainability and agricultural development.
He explained that farmers would receive indigenous tree seedlings to plant alongside their existing crops, allowing them to continue farming activities while participating in the environmental programme.
Hon. Akinola also assured the affected communities that he would personally visit the areas to engage farmers and community leaders in order to improve communication and strengthen understanding of the initiative.
The affected communities include Dam 1, Dam 2, Aba Alafia, Sepere Okoko, Aba Disu Ode, and Aba Dikko in Ose Local Government Area, with an estimated population of over 6,000 Oka indigenes who depend largely on farming for survival.
Stakeholders described the controversy as a communication gap between government authorities and farming communities, noting that Hon. Omole played a significant role in restoring calm and confidence among residents.
President of Akoko Farmers, Agbanimu Francis from Ewu Ikanmu, commended the Olubaka of Oka Land for consistently standing with farmers whenever issues affecting their welfare arise.
He also praised Hon. Akogun Olugbenga Omole for his swift response and commitment to protecting the interests of Oka communities.
According to him, the intervention has reassured farmers of the government’s good intentions and restored hope among residents who feared losing their farmlands and livelihoods.