Ondo communities protest against oil palm exploitation

Indigenes from Okitipupa, Irele, and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas in Ondo State have protested against the Ondo Oil Palm Company (OOPC), accusing the company of exploitation and failing to honor agreements made with the communities. The protesters, representing the “Ikale Supreme Civil Right Council” (ISCRC), held a press conference in Akure, claiming that for over 71 years, the host communities have endured hardship while the company, backed by the government, has been exploiting their resources.

They specifically accused the company of breaching agreements with the rightful landowners, calling for the reclamation of the land. Orimisan Adelokiki, a spokesperson for the group, emphasized that the decision to reclaim the land followed legal advice, referencing the Land Use Act amendments which allow landowners to repossess their land if agreements are violated by tenants.

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Adelokiki outlined that in 1954, an agreement was made with the company under which the communities provided approximately 50,000 hectares of land for oil palm cultivation. However, he lamented that the company has not honored the terms of this agreement, and for the past 35 years, operations have ceased, leaving the communities suffering. He also noted the lack of available land for housing or business development in Olokola, despite the country’s growing food insecurity. Adelokiki further criticized the company for failing to adhere to corporate laws, especially as it is a Public Limited Company (PLC) regulated by the Stock Exchange.