Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area in Ondo State, has urged the police and relevant security agencies to rein in Dr. Anthony Aduro, the CEO of Aduro Farms, for allegedly providing false information regarding a disputed piece of land between him and the local government.
In response to protests by members of the Hausa community that erupted in Okitipupa on Friday, Ogunsakin stated in an interview with Starnews NG that Dr. Aduro is claiming ownership of the historic Sabo Market land and has attempted to construct a building on the site, despite the ongoing litigation surrounding it.
Setting the record straight, Ogunsakin said, “Dr. Aduro, an Ilaje businessman, recently invited me to attend his sports competition and empowerment programme. I was unaware of his intentions until he informed me that he had purchased a piece of land and planned to begin development immediately.
“Upon inquiring about the location, I discovered it was the Sabo Market. He claimed to have bought it from the federal government, but I told him that was not possible, as the Sabo Market land has belonged to the local government for over 75 years, supported by receipts and agreements from local families. Additionally, there are rental receipts that predate many chairmen who have served in our local government.”
Ogunsakin revealed that Aduro secretly began digging foundations for a structure. However, residents alerted the local government, prompting him to report the matter to the Police Area Command in Okitipupa and the Kabiyesi. “Before I could respond, he raised a false alarm through his lawyer, alleging threats to his life. I am currently in Abuja to clarify the situation because he misinformed the police in an attempt to implicate me. Despite the ongoing court case, he is trying to erect a structure on the land, but the community has resisted this,” he explained.
The Okitipupa Local Government reaffirmed its ownership of the historic Sabo Market land, emphasizing that the property, allocated to the local government many years ago, remains under its legal custodianship despite Aduro’s claims of purchase.
Residents, many of whom have lived in the area for decades, intervened to stop the project, asserting that the Sabo Market is communal land owned by the local government.
Ogunsakin further accused Aduro of issuing threats to forest guards responsible for protecting lives and property in the local government, claiming to have audio evidence for record-keeping purposes.
The LG chairman insisted that security agencies must call Aduro to order regarding his attempts to take control of or develop land that is already subject to litigation. He urged state authorities to enforce the law and protect the community’s historical assets.
“The Sabo Market land is part of our heritage and a testament to our governance over generations,” he stated. “It cannot be compromised by private interests, especially with the case already in court.”
Efforts to reach Dr. Aduro for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report, Starnews NG reports
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