The protesters
Indigenous people of the Ikale communities in Odigbo LGA, Ondo state, staged a protest on Tuesday against the “unlawful invasion” of their land and intimidation by private firms.
Residents from Ikale, Ago Alaye, and Agrifon communities gathered at the A1 and A9 areas, carrying placards with inscriptions like ‘Enough is Enough’, ‘No to Rex Intimidation’, and ‘Ikale Communities Reject Marginalisation’, while chanting solidarity songs.
Gabriel Adeyeye, the youth leader of the communities, told journalists that the actions of Rex Forestry Limited and Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited were infringing on the rights of genuine indigenes and threatening the peace and stability of the area.
“We are here to register our grievances against undue intimidation by Rex Forestry Limited and Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited,” Adeyeye said.
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“For years, we have faced marginalisation and intimidation from the people of Araromi-Obu, who claim illegal ownership of our land.”
He said a 2019 court judgment by Justice O.O. Akeredolu affirmed that the land historically belongs to the Ikale people.
“Despite attempts to undermine the judgment, the land remains ours. Now is the time to reclaim it,” he added.
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The protesters urged Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, to intervene and halt the alleged harassment and intimidation.
Community leaders Olawale Araromi and Omosebi Ikupuluyi also expressed concern over the companies’ actions, and urged the government to act swiftly to prevent a conflict.
