Deputy Governor Promises Assessment Visit as Four Communities Express Concerns
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, has appealed to landowners affected by the proposed government acquisition of about 200 metres of land across Are-Ekiti, Afao-Ekiti, Araromi-Obo, Iworoko-Ekiti, Igbogun and a parcel of land belonging to a cooperative society at Ekiti State University.
At a meeting with representatives of the affected communities and traditional rulers held at her office in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Afuye explained that the proposed acquisition of 200 metres of land was intended to promote even development at the grassroots.
She said the government was ready to compensate the affected landowners, explaining that the initial plan was to acquire 500 metres of land. However, following complaints from the people, the government decided to reduce the proposed acquisition to 200 metres to facilitate meaningful development.
The Deputy Governor said the 30 metres proposed to be released by the communities would not be sufficient to attract investors. She added that when the government acquired land for the construction of the airport, all affected landowners were adequately compensated.
“Our government is not taking over your land by force. We are ready to compensate you. The land is meant to be used for meaningful development in your areas. Ekiti cannot afford to remain stagnant; we need your cooperation at this crucial time,” Chief Afuye said.
Chief Afuye, however, warned those allegedly engaging in blackmail against the government to desist from such acts, saying that the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji was poised to deliver meaningful development.
The Deputy Governor further stated, “My oga is a peaceful and peace-loving man. We all know Governor Oyebanji. He cannot take your land without compensating you.”
Chief Afuye also promised to embark on an assessment visit to verify the claims of those who alleged that several portions of their lands and houses would be affected by the proposed acquisition of the 200 metres of land.
Speaking on behalf of Are-Ekiti, the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, explained that the proposed acquisition would affect more than 100 houses in the community. He questioned the implications of displacing such a large number of residents from the community.
Oba Adebiyi described the government’s decision as a potential threat to the existence of the community, arguing that many residents, who are predominantly farmers, could lose their means of livelihood.
He said, “As a traditional ruler, I have no reason to speak against the government. However, when I went through the areas stipulated for the proposed acquisition, I realised that it would affect a considerable number of people in my community and their economic activities. The majority of the people and residents of Are-Ekiti are not comfortable with this development.”
On his part, the Alafo of Afao-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Ajibare, said the proposed development would also affect his community. However, he expressed his willingness to abide by the government’s decision while appealing for adequate compensation for families whose lands would be acquired.
Also speaking, the Alaworoko of Iworoko-Ekiti, Regent Adenike Ogundola, and the Elemobo of Araromi-Obo, Regent Adenike Ogundahunsi, said about 70 per cent of their communities’ lands would be affected by the proposed acquisition, adding that the development would adversely affect residents, most of whom depend on farming for their livelihood.
The two traditional rulers expressed concern that their people could hardly survive on the remaining portions of land available in their respective communities.
While appealing to the people to take advantage of the government’s proposed initiative, the Acting Surveyor-General of Ekiti State, Mr Rufus Gbadura, explained that the land was proposed for the establishment of a resource centre and a five-star hotel.
He emphasised that the proposed development would not adversely affect the communities, adding that the government had taken their concerns into consideration.
The lawmaker representing Irepodun/Ifelodun, Hon. Akeem Jamiu, urged the affected landowners and traditional rulers to have faith in the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, expressing confidence that the government would bring relief to the people and promote meaningful development at the grassroots.
