Edo Community Appeals to Governor Obaseki Over Land Dispute with Agricultural Firm
The Ologbo-Nugu community in the Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has called for intervention from Governor Godwin Obaseki regarding what they describe as the forceful acquisition of their land by an agricultural firm. The community has expressed concern over the actions of Barnsley Nigeria Limited, operators of SARO Farms, which they claim are contrary to the governor’s intentions.
While the community supports the industrial development promoted by the Obaseki administration, they accuse Barnsley Nigeria Limited of obstructing these positive goals. The firm has dismissed the accusations as unfounded.
During a protest held on Thursday, community members carried placards demanding clarity on their involvement in the agricultural project and sought the governor’s help.
Pa. Aduwa Osaigbovo, the 96-year-old Odionwere (traditional leader) of Ologbo-Nugu, criticized SARO Farms for their alleged aggressive methods in seizing their land. He lamented that since SARO Farms’ arrival, the community has been left with insufficient land for food cultivation. He stated that despite the governor’s directive to reserve 250 hectares for the community, SARO Farms only left about 50 hectares.
The community’s secretary, Godwin Sorae Enoguan, youth leader Mr. Osasere Ezolobo, and women’s leader Justina Osakue also voiced their grievances, highlighting that the contested land was part of the Urhonigbe Forest Reserve. They claimed that promises made by the government to allocate 250 hectares to the community have not been fulfilled.
Former NUJ Edo State Council chairman, Mr. Godwin Erhahon, echoed the community’s frustration, stating that the company misled the governor about the land allocation. He also suggested that peace could be restored if SARO Farms’ representative, Dr. Tunde Faturoti, were removed from the project.
The community has requested intervention from President Bola Tinubu to withdraw military personnel allegedly assigned to SARO Farms by the federal government.
In response, Dr. Tunde Faturoti of Barnsley Limited directed inquiries to Kelvin Uwaibi, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (EDSIPO). Uwaibi expressed confusion about his involvement in the matter and suggested that a thorough discussion is necessary to resolve any misunderstandings.
