As court Restrains Fulani Herder from Ekiti Farmlands Over Crop Destruction.
A farmer, Mr. Dele Okunoye of MAO Organic Farms, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji and key agencies of the state government for securing justice following the destruction of his farmland by herdsmen.
Mr. Okunoye, while speaking to journalists after the court proceedings in Ado-Ekiti, explained how over 100 acres of his crops, including rice, maize, cassava, and high-grade Malaysian oil palm valued at over N30 million, were destroyed in a series of attacks in August 2024.
He praised the prompt and coordinated response of several government officials and security agencies, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade; the Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (rtd); Amotekun Commander, Brig. Gen. Olu Adewa; Agro Marshal Commander, ACP Olamide Oni; the RRS led by CSP Marcus Ogundola; and the prosecutor, Barr. Oshobu Ojo.
He noted that the present administration in the state has provided hope and support for farmers, citing the outcome of the legal battle, in which the Ekiti State Magistrate Court, led by Magistrate Adeosun, issued a restraining order against the Fulani herder, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakili, prohibiting him and other herders associated with him from further encroaching on farmlands within the state.
In court, Alhaji Wakili swore an oath, pledging never to return to the said farmland or any of its surrounding areas.
He also vowed that neither he nor any herder under his supervision would be found trespassing on the property again under any circumstances.
Wakili expressed his commitment to peace and assured the court of his willingness to abide by the laws of the state going forward.
The Ekiti State Government has, in recent times, intensified efforts to resolve lingering clashes between farmers and herders through dialogue, enforcement of grazing regulations, and support for legal redress for victims of farm invasions.
