By: Manoah Kikekon
Residents of the Ajogbo Akia community and adjoining Ogu-speaking settlements in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, security agencies, the Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Lands and Survey to urgently intervene in an alleged land invasion and destruction of farmlands.
The residents alleged that suspected land grabbers had encroached upon their ancestral lands and destroyed crops, including palm trees, cassava, yam, maize, okra, and pepper.
Speaking with journalists, the Baale of Ajogbo Akia, Dr Oluwasegun Adebiyi, stated that the community had existed for several centuries, with its ancestral history linked to Isabe and Onisabe, who is traditionally regarded as one of the sixteen children of Oduduwa.
He explained that Ajogbo Akia was named after Akia, one of its early settlers, who transformed the once forested area into a settlement through farming, hunting, and the construction of mud houses.
Adebiyi noted that the community had historically enjoyed peaceful relations with neighbouring settlements but was now facing an alleged encroachment that had severely disrupted the livelihoods of residents who depend largely on agriculture.
"We are predominantly an agrarian community. We rely on our land for our livelihood," he said.
He alleged that some of the destroyed palm trees were between fifty and one hundred years old, describing the development as both a staggering economic loss and a blow to the community’s agricultural heritage.
Adebiyi added that the matter had been reported to the Ado-Odo Police Division, though he claimed no meaningful action had been taken yet, other than police indications that the individuals involved would be invited for questioning.
"We do not want to take the law into our hands. We believe the government should be able to protect us and ensure that justice is served," he stated.
He appealed to the Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, security authorities, the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, the Ogun State Government, and the Federal Government to intervene and restore peace.
Echoing these concerns, Mr Isaac Adebayo and Mr Olatunji Ajiki urged the authorities to take decisive action against alleged land grabbing to prevent any further escalation.
Similarly, the Otun Baale, Mr Honvoga Paul, and the Balogun of Ajogbo Akia, Mr Ashade Abiodun, lamented the adverse effects of the alleged invasion, which included the destruction of palm and *Gmelina arborea* trees. They also appealed to the government to provide essential social amenities such as electricity, accessible roads, potable water, and a standard public school to improve living conditions in the area.
Dr Adebiyi pointed out that residents had largely relied on self-help to provide basic amenities over the decades, including a well constructed around 1920, local roads, water facilities, a library, and temporary learning structures.
Regarding electricity, residents disclosed that they had written to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), only to be informed that they would have to finance the entire electrification project themselves before it could be handed over to the company.
Stating that the project was far beyond their financial capacity, they appealed to the Rural Electrification Agency, the Ogun State Government, and other relevant authorities to intervene.
They emphasized that improved electricity and basic infrastructure would enhance education, support local economic activities, and promote the overall development of the area.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace, the community urged the authorities to protect their ancestral lands, livelihoods, and property while resolving the dispute through lawful means.