Oluwa Forest Reserve: l’ve not been served any court orders — Akeredolu’s son

Ondo state government denies being served court order on cocoa farms grading

The Ondo state government has denied being served a court order regarding the grading of cocoa farms in the Oluwa Forest Reserve of the Odigbo council area of the state.

The government’s denial comes after farmers in the area filed a suit against the state government and a private company, SAO Agro-Allied Services Limited, for allegedly disregarding a court order halting the grading of their farms.

The farmers’ lawyer, Tope Temokun, said that the farmers would kickstart contempt proceedings against the managing director of SAO Agro-Allied Services Limited, Ayo Sotinrin, for disobeying the court order.

Temokun also said that the farmers had filed a motion to join Babajide Akeredolu, who was in charge of directives on the grading of the cocoa farmers’ plantations, to the suit.

However, the government’s lawyer, Olumide Olujimi, said that Akeredolu had not been served with any court papers related to the matter and was not aware of the specific details and claims being made against him.

Olujimi said that the government was committed to upholding the rule of law and cooperating with the legal process when served with any court papers.

“We understand that there are concerns regarding the role of our client as the Director-General of the Ondo State Performance and Project Monitoring Implementation Unit (PPIMU).

“While he takes his responsibilities seriously, it is important to note that he does not have direct control or involvement in the grading of the cocoa formers’ plantations.

“Our client’s role primarily revolves around overseeing project monitoring and implementation across the state. We want to emphasize that once our client is officially served with the court papers, he will engage his legal team to prepare an appropriate response.

“Our client is eager to clear all misgivings and rumours surrounding this issue and he will do the needful when served with court papers.

The statement said that “Our client acknowledges the farmers’ concerns and the importance of protecting their interests. He also believes in fair and transparent processes.

“He believes legal proceedings will provide an opportunity for all parties including himself to present their respective cases and evidence.

The Solicitor added that “Our client is firmly of the position that the truth will prevail, and he remains committed to the principles of justice and the well-being of the people of Ondo State”

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