The Ondo State chapter of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has raised alarm over what it describes as the “systematic unlawful arrest, detention, and intimidation” of community members involved in a land dispute in the Ikoya area of Okitipupa Local Government Area.
In a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, the group strongly condemned the arrest of three individuals—Mrs. Racheal Akinurun, Mrs. Bosede Ogunowo, and Comrade Orimisan Adelokiki—who they allege were targeted for standing up against land encroachment by the Okitipupa Oil Palm Company (OOPC).
According to the TIB, Mrs. Akinurun was deceitfully lured by a soldier, allegedly from the Okitipupa Army Barracks, under the guise of a peaceful conversation. She was subsequently handed over to Anti-SWAT police operatives and transported to Akure, where she was told her release was contingent on locating her husband.
Efforts by concerned citizens to secure her freedom only escalated the crackdown. Mrs. Ogunowo, who travelled to Akure to assist Akinurun, was also arrested. Shortly afterward, Comrade Adelokiki—an advocate with the Ikale Supreme Civil Rights Initiative (ISCRI)—was detained when he attempted to intervene on their behalf.
TIB alleges that these arrests were orchestrated by OOPC Managing Director Mr. Adewole Taiwo, who they accuse of using state security forces to silence dissent and suppress land rights activism following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The group said public pressure forced the police to arraign the trio on April 30, but the charges—including bizarre accusations like the use of charms—were described as “baseless and politically motivated.” The court declined bail and adjourned the case to May 14.
“This is a deliberate act of oppression and economic victimisation,” the TIB stated. “We will not remain silent while innocent citizens are harassed for demanding justice.”
The arrests follow a landmark Supreme Court judgment that recognised the Konye family as the rightful owners of the contested Ikoya Palm Oil Estate, ruling the occupation by Adewole and OOPC as illegal. Following the judgment, the Konye family issued a quit notice to the company—an act believed to have triggered retaliatory arrests.
Sources within civil society believe Mr. Adewole, who was appointed OOPC MD in June 2023 under the administration of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has since used police and Amotekun operatives to intimidate local farmers and community leaders.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Comrade Adelokiki was previously invited by police over petitions reportedly filed by Mr. Adewole. He was allegedly detained and transferred to an Amotekun court, eventually ending up in Owo Correctional Centre—a move human rights lawyers widely criticised.
Similar tensions have been documented in other areas like the Oluwa Forest Reserve, where farmers faced eviction despite presenting evidence of government-approved tenancy. Activists say the pattern reflects a broader trend of state-backed suppression of land rights in Ondo State.
As of the time of reporting, the management of Okitipupa Oil Palm Company has yet to respond to the allegations.
Saharareporters
