Over 24,000 farmers in Ago-Owu, Osun State, are facing the threat of eviction following a state government directive allowing a private company to begin mineral exploration in the area. The farmers are now calling on Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene and halt any activities that could disrupt their livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the farm settlers, the president of the Ago-Owu Farmers Association, Adebanji Obembe, raised alarm over a letter issued by the Special Adviser on Mining and Minerals, Lukman Jimoda, which reportedly granted permission for mineral testing within the settlement. According to Obembe, this directive violates an earlier 99-year land use agreement between the farmers and the state government.