Oyo Farm Settlements: “We Must Protect Awolowo, Akintola’s Legacies” – Says Senator Sharafadeen Alli
Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, come 2027, has called for the protection of the state’s farm settlements, describing recent developments as disturbing and warning against any attempt to divert lands meant for agriculture for private gain.
Alli said the administration of the present government had promised to upgrade the farm settlements across Oyo State into agricultural hubs. He, however, alleged that a loan initially intended for the procurement of tractors under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi was diverted for the stated purpose.
Alli further claimed that the Eruwa Farm Settlements, covering about 4,000 hectares, were handed over to investors nearly two years ago but said the investors have not shown up to begin meaningful work on the land.
The APC candidate also noted that key agricultural infrastructure connected to the legacy of past leaders, including the Eruwa Farm Waterworks attributed to Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ladoke Akintola, is located within the settlement. Alli said the waterworks, if refurbished, could support farming across Ibarapa land and help facilitate dry-season cultivation. He also said the large cashew plantations at New Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government could be revitalised.
Addressing recent developments at Saki West and Ogbomoso, Alli said communities in those areas have appealed to the state government to reconsider its alleged plans to hand over land reserved for agricultural purposes to private investors and developers.
Alli specifically alleged that the Ministry of Agriculture issued a notice to farm settlers in Ogbomoso to vacate the land before December 30, 2026, a step he said he strongly opposes.
According to Alli, farming land and farm settlements are legacies bequeathed by the heroes of the past and must not be treated as opportunities for quick money, either through direct sale or through “controversial PPP arrangements”. He argued that agriculture remains a major source of food production and employment, stressing that the state must guard such assets for present and future generations.
Alli promised that if elected governor of Oyo State in 2027, he would immediately review the status of all farm settlements and agricultural lands to ensure government takes back full control and restores them to the original purposes for which they were established.
Alli also appealed to the current administration to listen to host communities in Saki and Ogbomoso, saying that if the communities oppose any move to transfer the Veterinary Land at Saki or the farm settlements in Ogbomoso to private investors, the government should accommodate their positions.
