EXCLUSIVE: GOV. OYEBANJI’S GOVT SCORES BIG WIN AS COURT BANS HERDER FROM EKITI FARMLANDS
...."No More Destruction!" – Okunoye Hails Governor's Swift Action, N30m Crops Saved
In a landmark victory for Ekiti farmers, the state Magistrate Court has restrained a Fulani herder, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakili, from trespassing on farmlands following the destruction of over 100 acres of crops worth N30 million.
The ruling, delivered by Magistrate Adeosun, comes as a major win for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration, which has been lauded for its proactive stance in protecting farmers and enforcing justice.
Mr. Dele Okunoye, owner of MAO Organic Farms, couldn’t hide his joy after the court decision, praising the governor and state officials for their swift response when herdsmen invaded his farm in August 2024, destroying his rice, maize, cassava, and high-grade Malaysian oil palm plantations.
“This government didn’t abandon us,”Okunoye told journalists.”From the Commissioner for Agriculture Mr.Ebenezer Boluwade to the Special Adviser on Security,Brig.
Gen.Ebenenezer Ogundana (Rtd),Amotekun Commander Brig.Gen.Adewa, Agro Marshal Commander,ACP Olamide Oni and RRS led by CSP Marcus Ogundola and Prosecutor Barr.Oshobu Ojo everyone acted fast. Governor Oyebanji has shown that farmers matter in Ekiti!”
In a dramatic courtroom moment, Alhaji Wakili took an oath, vowing never to step foot on the farmland again and warning other herders under him to steer clear.
“I will obey the law. No more trespassing,” Wakili declared before the court, pledging to maintain peace in the state.
This case highlights the Oyebanji administration’s multi-pronged approach to ending farmer-herder clashes through Dialogue with stakeholders,
enforcement of anti-grazing laws and Legal support for victims .
With this victory, Ekiti farmers can now breathe easier, knowing the government has their backs!
