Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has urged protesting farmers in Ikole Local Government to remain peaceful in their dispute with Agbeyewa Farms.

He warned that ongoing unrest could derail his administration’s commercial food production policy, which is central to economic development and food security.

 Mr Oyebanji made the appeal on Friday during a peace meeting in Ikole-Ekiti.

The meeting addressed the conflict between Agbeyewa Farms and landowners from the Itapaji, Ipao, Iyemero, Odo Oro, Oke Ako, and Esun-Ekiti communities.

He instructed Agbeyewa Farms to temporarily halt operations in disputed areas and allow farmers to harvest existing crops before proper land demarcation.

Speaking through deputy governor, Monisade Afuye, Mr Oyebanji criticised the protests, stating that the government should have been consulted before taking such actions.

“The Ekiti State Boundary Technical Committee will visit the affected towns and clearly demarcate the land allocated to the company,” he said.

He noted that earlier attempts at demarcation failed due to landowners resisting government officials, which worsened the situation.

Commissioner for agriculture, Ebenezer Boluwade, and special adviser on land matters, James Olaleye, addressed the farmers’ concerns.

They assured that the government would not abandon the farmers and announced upcoming road construction projects in the area.

They emphasised that ongoing protests were painting Ekiti State in a negative light and could affect its agricultural reputation.

They urged farmers to collaborate peacefully with the private company to support the state’s food security ambitions.

Obanla of Ipao-Ekiti, Oba Williams Ehinmodupin, said Agbeyewa Farms occupied lands without paying appropriate compensation to affected landowners.

He described the situation as dire, with many farmers left without land to grow food or earn a living.

“My town still doesn’t know the exact boundaries of the land allocated to the farm,” the traditional ruler stated.

He added that the little compensation paid was inadequate and had caused great distress among affected families.

Olu of Itapaji-Ekiti, Oba Abdulazeez Adebanjo, said the lack of clear demarcation was the main cause of conflict in his area.

He said the disputed land represented their key economic zone, and clarity was urgently needed to prevent further disputes. 

Onise of Odo-Oro Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Jemilehin, supported the government’s food security plan but urged greater consultation with traditional rulers. 

He insisted that community leaders must be fully informed during any land acquisition processes involving private firms.

Agbeyewa Farms managing director, Oscar Ayeleso, appealed for understanding and pledged to address the farmers’ concerns promptly.

He promised that the company would correct its errors and meet the rightful demands of all the affected communities. 

(NAN)