4th February, 2023
Aggrieved landowners and residents of the Idofin-Oke community have called out Ganic Foods Limited for allegedly trespassing, and acquiring their landed properties.
Hon. Ogunseye, the ex-councillor of Ajura Ward/Ward 4, spoke on behalf of the residents, laying out their grievances during a press conference on Thursday.
According to him, the acquired land have been with some of the families for generations and have not been sold. He called on the Ogun State government to intercede and stop the “big investment company” from sending them away from their homes and settlements.
“Someone cannot come from anywhere and take over our land. These communities have existed since the 18th century, according to the history of our forefathers.
“We don’t have any King. We are the owners and haven’t sold to anyone. Suddenly, we saw machinery working on our land without prior notice. In fact, this same land issue is still in court, yet they continue to work on it. They say they have approached the government without our knowledge. I know it’s a lie—a big lie.
“So, we beg the state government to intervene. We are peaceful people in this community and do not want situations that will warrant people carrying guns and machetes. We don’t want casualties. We are begging you.
“We have 38 communities called Orilemo, and they didn’t approach us for the land. Araromi and Odofin-Odo land have not been sold, so why are they working on it?
Speaking fervently in Yoruba, Isiaka Ayeyemi, one of the aggrieved landowners, said; “These land are for my family. It has been ours for four generations now. It is for my forefathers.
“I’m older than the Asiwaju boy who sold them the land, and he is not from here. He merely came to take a traditional title. He is from Oriloko not from Idofin-Oke here. I don’t know any company. No one approached us to buy our land. It is not fair. Quote me anywhere.”
Another landowner, Pastor Steven Iyely also spoke with newsmen. He said, “Basically, I’m the neighbour to GANIC as we share boundaries. They met me on this land. I was invited to their office earlier. They explained that they needed to enter my land to align their land. Some other people refused to sign even as one Mr. Monsuru tried to convince them.
“I requested that they interpret small in terms of feet or any other measurements. I told them that they would be breaking my fence. They promised to compensate me for the fence. They did as agreed.
“Only for someone to call me and tell me that GANIC has broken my fence and taken half of my already-bought land. I rushed over and stopped the ongoing work. I called them to clarify, but they snubbed me and called my bluff. They’re saying they’ll compensate me, but I’m not interested. I want them to leave my land. I have called them several times to speak with me and other families, but they don’t show up.
“They told me that they won’t talk to individuals, but the land belongs to individuals. They always mention the names “Asiwaju” and the Baale of Idofin-Oke. I didn’t buy from anyone called Asiwaju. I bought my land from the Ogunseye family.
“I bought this land because I have a project to do on it. They harass and bully people. They currently have a court case on this same land.
“I, therefore, call on the governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to please intervene in this issue. It is becoming violent as the people feel cheated out of their family-owned properties.
When contacted, Mr Bukola Adelabu, a representative of Ganic Ltd., said “Ganic is an investment company that I represent. We got the land through the proper channels. We have made all the necessary payments. We have been given the original Certificate of Occupancy. We have also compensated the original owners of the land.
“Some of them collected while some did not. Honestly, I don’t know why they are complaining.
“Pastor saw us working and became agitated. In a bid to avoid violence, we told him that we can have a discussion. We want to be good neighbours with the people of the community. We have had meetings with community leaders. We even signed an MOU with them after we explained our intentions to them.
“We are a corporate organization; we have followed the government and traditional protocols to own that land. We are not going to buy land from the government and also buy from individuals, but we can compensate them if they’re interested.
“We approached the government through the Bureau of Land. The truth is that the said portions of land are under acquisition. GANIC will not be intimidated by the press or anyone because we have all the necessary documentation.
When asked why Ganic was absent at the press conference, Adelabu responded, “Even the community leaders said they were not aware of the meeting. I believe he intended to ambush us for calling a press conference. I feared for my life because he could have set me up for God knows what. We have to be careful in this Nigeria.
P.M.NEWS asked if GANIC would reach out to the aggrieved families, and he said, “Ganic would only meet people through the community head, so we don’t just compensate anyone.”