Farmers of Ago Owu Farm settlement prays to Govt for immediate intervention
The Farmers of Ago Owu Farm settlement, in Ayedaade local government area of Osun State have called on the State Government to intervene and stop the unlawful act of Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Taofeeq Morenigbade who sends thugs to brutalise local farmers in the Area.
The farmers stormed the Government Secretariat on Tuesday with several placards to protest against the attacks on them by agents of the monarch and some Fulani herdsmen who also invade their farms.
Leader of the group, Mr Adebanji Obenbe, said the farmers were given the land by the State government and are paying taxes and dues to the government annually. He called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to protect them from the incessant attack and harassment by Oba Morenigbade.
“In Ayedade local government Ago-Owu farm settlement that we all know is under the Ministry of Agriculture, we have issues that are disturbing us and holding the peace of the community. In fact, one person has been killed during this struggle. We are here to call on Governor Adeleke to help us from the torture, attack and harassment by the Olukoyi of Ikoyi
“Olukoyi’s men take guns and cutlass to our farm to cut our crops, they said the Olukoyi asked them to do so. We went to meet the Olukoyi and he said he truly sent them but he didn’t instruct them to cut the crops but he asked them to resell the lands to us.” Obenben explained.
“They have pursued a lot of people from the farm with gun, and we didn’t react because it was the State Government put us there.”
Obenben said the action of the monarch is a recipe for crisis if not quickly checked by the government.
“The action of the monarch can lead to huge crisis and war within his domain and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the area if not quickly checked by the government. Governor Adeleke should stop Olukoyi from his lawlessness using his royal office to oppress and suppress Ago Owu farmers.”
The farmers also called on the government to help them stop the Fulani herdsmen who invade their farmlands and damage their crops.
When contacted, Oba Morenigbade denied the allegations against him. He said the farmers should channel their grievances to the police.
“I don’t know anything about that. I’m currently out of the country. If they have grievances, they should channel it to the police.” He said.
