Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone Limited has firmly denied allegations of forcefully taking over 158 hectares of land from 13 local families in Igbesa, Ogun State. The company stated that the land was originally part of 8,000 hectares acquired over two decades ago by the Ogun State government for the Ogun Property Investment Company.
Kabiru Ajayi, senior special assistant to the board chairperson, Hadjia Hafsat Tafawa-Balewa Oduwole, clarified that the land was legally allocated and that the Chinese investors involved in the partnership had no role in purchasing or acquiring any land directly. Ajayi also presented the Certificate of Occupancy and other documents during a press briefing, reiterating that 2,000.407 hectares had been officially designated as the government’s equity in the joint investment with China-Africa Investment FZ Company.
Last week, a protest erupted as members of the Concerned LandOwners Association accused Chinese companies operating within the Free Trade Zone of expanding beyond their allocated land and using security forces to displace them. The group claimed their properties, including homes, farms, small industries, schools, and places of worship, were destroyed during these operations.
In response, Ajayi challenged the protesters to produce a valid Certificate of Occupancy for the 650 hectares they claim were wrongfully taken. He described the allegations as unsubstantiated and misleading.
Jamiu Ajidaba, head of Iludofin, also dismissed the protesters’ statements, saying those raising the alarm did not represent the broader community. He recalled that compensation was paid in 2008 to affected individuals who came forward after the state’s 2007 land enumeration process. He added that the Free Trade Zone has since invested in multiple empowerment initiatives and community development projects.
OGFTZ issued a public statement rejecting what it described as a malicious publication circulating online. The company emphasized that the allegations were false and appeared intended to stir conflict and undermine the reputation of the Free Trade Zone.
Describing the project as a flagship joint venture between the Ogun State government and Guangdong Province of China, the organization reiterated that its landholdings were officially granted by the state and properly documented. It maintained that the allocated land forms part of the government’s equity stake in the initiative and that all relevant documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy, remain valid.
As tensions rise and with pressure mounting ahead of a self-imposed deadline by the protesting families, all eyes are now on the state government and stakeholders to address the claims and provide clarity to prevent further unrest.
