Ogun State: Fere Oniporogun Community Fights Chinese Investor Eviction

• Residents of Fere and Oniporogun communities in Ogun State fear eviction due to an alleged land allocation to Chinese investors.
• The communities have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun for intervention, reporting that bulldozers and security personnel have already been deployed to developed areas.
• Community leaders claim they were not consulted before the land allocation, despite residents having invested in homes and infrastructure.
• Over 300 houses are reportedly affected, and residents emphasize their support for industrial development but not at the cost of their homes and livelihoods.
• The communities are requesting a halt to activities and urgent consultations to find a resolution that protects their ancestral heritage and investments.

While acknowledging the importance of industrial development for the region, Chief Alani firmly stated that such progress should not come at the expense of residents' homes, investments, and livelihoods, stressing that the community has no alternative place to go.

Residents from the Fere and Oniporogun communities, situated in the Orile-Mo area of Obafemi Owode Local Government in Ogun State, have voiced profound concerns regarding an alleged land allocation to Chinese investors. This development, they contend, threatens to displace hundreds of families and erase their ancestral heritage. The communities have urgently appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, seeking his intervention to prevent widespread evictions.

The apprehension intensified following a protest held on a recent Saturday at the disputed site. Community members reported the deployment of bulldozers and security personnel, signaling an imminent commencement of operations on land where numerous homes and properties already stand. The residents are demanding an immediate halt to all activities on the land and a prompt meeting with community leaders and other stakeholders to resolve the escalating Fere Oniporogun community land dispute.

Chief Okesola Alani, the Baale of Fere community, highlighted a significant lack of consultation with local leadership regarding the Ogun land allocation to Chinese investors. He stated that no community leaders were contacted prior to the arrival of security operatives and heavy-duty equipment, which began clearing their land. Chief Alani, who holds traditional recognition from the Olu of Orileemo, the Ologbon of Imo, and the Alake of Egbaland, emphasized that established protocols for land allocation involving village leaders were disregarded.

The community's engagement with the government dates back to 2017, when they sought an extension for their village, a matter that remains unresolved. Residents have collectively invested in developing the area, including establishing electricity through communal contributions, and many have dedicated their life savings to acquiring land and constructing homes. While acknowledging the importance of industrial development for the region, Chief Alani firmly stated that such progress should not come at the expense of residents' homes, investments, and livelihoods, stressing that the community has no alternative place to go.

Salau Hamid, the Acting Chairman of the Community Development Association for both Oniporogun and Fere communities, underscored the severe financial and emotional toll that displacement would inflict on residents, particularly given the prevailing economic hardships. He reported that over 300 houses, either completed or under construction, are located within the affected areas, representing substantial personal investments by community members. This situation raises critical questions about ancestral land rights in Nigeria and the social impact of foreign investment community displacement.

The communities express a desire for development and peaceful coexistence with investors, but they insist that alternative land is available for industrial projects without encroaching on existing settlements. They are urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, protect the residents, and ensure that any Ogun State industrial development policy considers the well-being of its citizens. The call for a suspension of any demolition activities pending proper consultations reflects a plea for equitable and considerate governance.

Lawyers advising foreign investors on land acquisition in Ogun State, particularly for industrial development, should conduct thorough due diligence regarding community land rights, ancestral claims, and potential social impact assessments. This case highlights the risk of disputes and operational delays if local communities are not adequately consulted or compensated, even with government allocation.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH