Over 400 pineapple farmers from the Aduhanhan community in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area recently protested against the reported intentions of the Edo State government to take over their farmland for a palm oil investment.
According to Weekend Trust, the protest was championed by Alhaji Bako Dogwo, the chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Edo State, alongside other organizational leaders representing the Aduhanhan Taungya Farmers Association.
Speaking during the demonstration, Alhaji Dogwo emphasized that these farmers have cultivated the land for more than 60 years, warning that the proposed eviction contradicts government efforts to enhance food security.
He clarified that when the government authorized the community to utilize the forest reserves, they were mandated to focus on food crops such as cassava, yams, maize, and pineapples instead of cash crops.
Highlighting Nigeria's status as Africa's leading pineapple producer and seventh globally, Dogwo pointed out that this achievement largely stems from Edo State's prominence in pineapple farming.
He argued that if the plan to forcefully remove over 400 farmers from their lands across 10 communities proceeds, it would represent land grabbing, a violation of justice, and a failure of the government to support agriculture effectively.
“We believe that Senator Monday Okpebholo, a governor who listens to the people's needs, would not advocate for land appropriation from the entire community. Thus, we are appealing for his intervention,” he stated.
Dogwo continued, “We cultivate more than 1,000 hectares of pineapple, cassava, yams, maize, and other crops in this forest reserve, which we rely on to contribute to national food production.”
He reminded that the governor, who is known for his commitment to farming, allocated over N70 billion to agriculture last year, marking the highest allocation since the state's establishment.
“We reject oppression. We oppose land grabbers. No one can take our land from us because if they do, we will have nowhere to sustain our livelihoods,” he asserted.
The community leader of Aduhanhan, Pa Iro Omorodion, also urged Governor Okpebholo to step in and restore their land rights.
He remarked, “The government supplied us with seedlings for planting both forest trees and food crops, which has ensured we adhered to the guidelines of focusing on food crops only.”
Additionally, Monday Richardson Amakon, chairman of the Aduhanhan Taungya Farmers Association, and fellow leaders appealed to the governor for support against what they claim is a finalized plan to evict them for an investor interested in palm oil cultivation, which they argue contradicts the initial government directives to their forefathers.
“We are protesting because we have learned of the Edo State Government's intentions to displace us for another party to cultivate palm oil on our farmlands,” they shared.
They stressed that the land currently being offered to them amounts to less than 15 acres, which is inadequate for farming for 400 individuals.
In response, the Director of Agricultural Services/Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. David Oginbor, stated that the government would not forcibly remove farmers without prior engagement.
He acknowledged the farmers' protests as possibly stemming from their unwillingness to participate in proposed arrangements.
Oginbor explained, “The forest is intended to preserve wildlife and plant life, but it has deteriorated over time. The government aims to reclaim it, with oil palm selected as a crop due to its ability to restore degraded ecosystems. Hence, the state is pursuing the oil palm project after conducting a land audit.”
He noted that while some farmers may be asked to vacate certain areas, arrangements would be made, including compensations for their crops.
“Farmers will be identified, their crops evaluated, and proper compensation will be provided,” he continued.
He clarified that no one is being evicted immediately and that the ministry would conduct assessments based on the number of farmers, the value of their crops, and ensure that compensation is paid accordingly.
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