SAVE OUR ANCESTRAL LANDS, OGUN COMMUNITIES BEG ABIODUN

Residents of Fere and Oniporogun communities in Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene in a land dispute they fear could leave hundreds of families homeless.

The communities, located in Orile-Mo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, alleged that land containing homes and other properties had been allocated to Chinese investors.

During a protest at the disputed site on Saturday, residents claimed that bulldozers and security personnel had arrived to begin operations without adequate consultation.

They called for an immediate suspension of activities and an urgent meeting between government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders.

The Baale of Fere, Chief Okesola Alani, said the community welcomed investment but opposed development that would displace residents and destroy their livelihoods.

“We want the community to be developed; we want industries. But the industry we are bringing should not be at the expense of the community,” he said.

Alani explained that families had invested their savings in land and housing, while residents collectively funded improvements, including electricity infrastructure.

He said the community had been engaging the government since 2017 over its expansion needs, but the matter remained unresolved.

The traditional ruler maintained that alternative land could accommodate industries without affecting existing homes.

Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of the communities’ development association, Salau Hamid, urged the government to consider families who had struggled to build houses despite economic hardship.

The residents said they wanted a peaceful resolution that would protect their homes, investments and ancestral heritage while allowing development.

The account provided did not include a response from the Ogun State Government or the investors concerned.