LunagisthubVictory for Ondo Farmers as High Court Upholds Their Rights
In a landmark ruling, the Ondo State High Court has granted an interlocutory injunction protecting farmers in the Oluwa Forest Reserve from forced eviction and destruction of their farmlands ¹. This decision nullifies an earlier order by a Customary Court that had directed the farmers to vacate the 10,000-hectare reserve.
The High Court’s injunction specifically restrains the Ondo State Government and SAO Agro-Allied Services Ltd from further grading, demolishing, or interfering with farmlands in key areas of the reserve. These areas include Temidire Adeleye, Itamerin, Ikawo, Ijoba, Ayeleso, Isero, and their sub-camps.
According to Tope Temokun, counsel for the farmers, the court emphasized the importance of preserving the economic trees, such as cocoa, kola nut, and palm trees, that constitute the farmers’ livelihoods. This ruling is a significant victory for the farmers, who have been facing threats of eviction and destruction of their farmlands.
The matter has been adjourned to May 26, 2025, for further proceedings. This development reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights of farmers amidst conflicting legal directives.
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