By Hassanat Adebowale
An Ondo State High Court in Ore has issued an interlocutory injunction, temporarily halting the Ondo State Government and Sao Agro-Allied Services Ltd. from forcibly evicting farmers from the Oluwa Forest Reserve. The farmers had approached the court, citing the forest as their primary source of livelihood for decades.
Justice Aderemi Adegoroye, who delivered the ruling, also prohibited the state government and the company from carrying out any activities such as grading or destroying farmlands in the forest. Specific areas covered by this order include Temidire Adeleye, Itamerin, Ikawo, Ijoba, Ayeleso, Isero, and their sub-camps.
The judge stressed the importance of preserving economic trees like cocoa, kola nut, and palm trees, which form the backbone of the farmers’ livelihoods. This directive will remain in effect until the court delivers a final judgment in the case.
This ruling directly contradicts an earlier order by a Customary Court in the state, which had authorized the eviction of farmers from the 10,000-hectare reserve located in Odigbo Local Government Area. With this injunction, the previous order cannot be enforced.
Justice Adegoroye has scheduled May 26, 2025, for further proceedings on the matter.
Under the Land Use Act of 1978, state governments hold ownership of all land and have the authority to allocate it. However, traditional landowners and settlers often dispute these decisions, pointing to customary land rights and decades of occupation as the basis for their claims.
Conflicts also arise when environmental conservation laws and policies for forest reserves clash with agricultural activities, creating tensions between local farmers and government authorities. Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution protects the right to a fair hearing and due process, ensuring that individuals can legally challenge government actions that affect their livelihoods.
As this case continued, the final decision could have far-reaching implications for land rights, environmental preservation, and the balance between agricultural needs and forest conservation in Nigeria. It may also influence future policies on land tenure and resource management in the country.
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