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Human rights

Ondo State Government Accused of Siding with Corporate Interests Against Local Communities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A standoff has ensued between local communities in Ondo State and the state government over the presence of Okitipupa Oil Palm Company Plc (OOPC) on ancestral land. The communities have petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged misappropriation of N10.7 billion generated by the company between 2021 and 2024. Despite promises of good relations and ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives, local leaders accuse the company of failing to meet its obligations, leaving communities deprived of development and basic amenities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tope Temokun, a human rights lawyer, has requested the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, to release three detained protesters who were arrested after protesting the state government's reported renewal of a lease agreement with OOPC.
  • The three protesters, Bose Loyinmi-Ogunlowo, Rachael Akinirun, and Orimisan Adelokiki, claim that OOPC has no legitimate claim to operate on the land without a valid agreement with the community, citing a 1988 Supreme Court ruling.
  • Local communities have accused the company of exploiting their land for over 70 years without honouring agreements or delivering social benefits, resulting in decades of misery.
  • The communities have set up a transition committee to manage the land and plans to create employment opportunities soon.
  • OOPC Managing Director Taiwo Adewole dismissed the claims as baseless propaganda, stating that the company maintains good relations with legitimate landowners through agreements specific to each host community.

Statistics:

  • N10.7 billion: The alleged amount generated by OOPC between 2021 and 2024, which is subject to investigation by the EFCC.
  • 50,000 hectares: The amount of land released by local communities for oil palm cultivation in 1954.

Sources:

  • The letter dated 19 May from Tope Temokun to the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo.
  • The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
  • The ICIR (International Centre for Investigative Reporting).
  • The Ikale Supreme Civil Right Council (ISCRC).
  • The Premium Times.

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