Residents of Ajogbo Akia, a farming community in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, have raised an alarm over an alleged invasion of their ancestral land by unidentified individuals who reportedly destroyed crops and plantations. The community has appealed to the state government and security agencies for urgent intervention, citing significant financial losses and emotional distress among farmers.
Alleged Destruction of Farmland and Ancient Palm Trees
According to the residents, the unidentified persons entered sections of their ancestral land and caused extensive damage to farmlands. Crops including cassava, yam, maize, and okra were reportedly affected, along with palm trees that residents said were between 50 and 100 years old. The allegations could not be independently verified at the time of filing, and no public response had been issued by the individuals named in connection with the dispute.
The community claims that the invasion has not only destroyed their livelihoods but also created fear among farmers. Residents said they filed a petition with the Ado-Odo Police Division but have not received any update since.
Traditional Ruler Speaks Out on Peaceful Possession
The Baale of Ajogbo Akia, Chief Dr Oluwasegun Adebiyi, said the community had occupied and worked the land across many generations without conflict. He stated: "We have existed in peace and harmony for centuries in this area. We have always held and maintained peaceful possession of our ancestral land."
Adebiyi added that the reported incidents had caused serious harm beyond the physical damage to crops. He said: "Suddenly, we are experiencing devastating violence and aggression against our people. The havoc caused to my people cannot be quantified in terms of emotional pain and psychological trauma, apart from the enormous financial losses."
Residents also raised concerns that portions of the land may have been transferred to third parties without the community's knowledge or consent. A community representative said the people who had lived on the land for generations were never consulted about any such arrangement.
Police Petition Filed, Residents Await Response
The community said it reported the matter to the Ado-Odo Police Division and met with the Divisional Police Officer, who directed them to submit a formal written petition. Residents said they complied and also requested that officers visit the site to assess the damage in person. The community said: "We were told that the persons involved would first be invited. Up till now, we have not heard anything further."
With no update from the police, residents are now appealing to the Ogun State Government, human rights organisations, and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter urgently. The community said: "As peaceful and law-abiding citizens, we entrust our security and sovereignty to the government. We are appealing for protection of our lives and properties and for urgent intervention before there is a total breakdown of law and order."
The residents want those found responsible for any unlawful destruction held accountable and called for a thorough investigation into the ownership dispute to protect what they described as the community's ancestral heritage and farming livelihoods.
