By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Tension flared on Tuesday, 16 December, 2025, in Adeshina Village, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, as residents accused Huafa Forest Resources Development of Nigeria Co. Ltd of operating illegally on their farmlands despite a pending fundamental rights case before the Ogun State High Court in Ilaro.
The situation unfolded as workers of the Chinese-owned company were reportedly seen on farmlands adjoining the Eggua Forest Reserve, even as a fundamental rights enforcement suit remains pending before the Ogun State High Court sitting in Ilaro (Suit No. HCL/94/2025).
Consequently, their continued presence reignited tension within the community, with the residents insisting that the land is under dispute and subject to judicial determination.
According to eyewitness accounts, Huafa staff were actively engaged on the land throughout the afternoon.
As a result, concerned youths and farmers confronted the workers, questioning their activities and asserting ownership claims over the farmland.
The confrontation, while initially verbal, raised fears of a breakdown of order before community leaders intervened.
Meanwhile, the Adeshina Olaotan family, through their legal counsel, has maintained that the actions of the company amount to violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Speaking to journalists, the family’s lawyer, Chief Wakeel Olawale Liady of The Bridge Chambers, Lagos, said the matter goes beyond a conventional land dispute.
Rather, he described it as an issue involving alleged arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and deprivation of property.
In explaining his clients’ position, Chief Liady cited Sections 34, 35, 41, 43, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect the rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, freedom of movement, and ownership of property.
Additionally, he referenced Articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has domesticated into law. According to him, the continued occupation of the land while the case is pending raises serious legal and human rights concerns.
November 8, 2025, officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, accompanied by armed soldiers and police officers, reportedly entered the disputed land. During the operation, ten individuals were arrested and detained. Those arrested were four staff members of OTL Farms Limited:
Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, Mr. Tunde Balogun, Miss Chioma Eze, and Mr. Segun Ogunleye as well as six members of the Adeshina family: Mr. Femi Olaotan, Mr. Kunle Adeshina, Mrs. Bose Olaotan, Mr. Ismail Olaotan, Miss Funmi Adeshina, and Mr. Rasak Olaotan respectively.
According to the family, the detainees were held without formal charges, a development that further strained relations between the community and authorities. Subsequently, the family sought legal redress, leading to the filing of the current fundamental rights suit before the High Court.
On Tuesday’s encounter, tensions again flared as youths protested what they described as an unlawful takeover of their farmland. Witnesses said protesters chanted slogans in opposition to the company’s activities. In response, some Huafa workers allegedly issued verbal threats, including claims that they would return with armed security personnel, a statement that residents interpreted as intimidating.
As emotions ran high, Chief Satiu Abiodun Bello, head of the Adeshina Olaotan Family, stepped in to calm the situation. Addressing the youths, he appealed for restraint and urged them to channel their grievances through lawful means. While reaffirming the family’s determination to protect their rights, he stressed the importance of avoiding violence and respecting due process.
Beyond the immediate confrontation, farmers in the area reported significant damage to their livelihoods. According to community sources, rice plantations covering about 70 hectares have been cleared, while more than 150 hectares of farmland have been affected overall. Consequently, residents described the losses as forced deprivation of property without compensation or legal backing.
In response to these developments, rights advocates have expressed concern, noting that the situation reflects broader challenges surrounding land use, corporate activities, and community rights in parts of the country. They argue that disputes involving foreign firms and host communities must be handled transparently and in line with the rule of law to prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Adeshina family; Mrs Morenike Adeshina, Mr. Ayinla Olaotan, Mr. Sunday Olaotan, and Mr. Oluwaseyi Olaotan respectvery has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, the Attorney General of the Federation, and international bodies, requesting independent investigations into the allegations.
As of press time, neither Huafa Forest Resources Development of Nigeria Co. Ltd nor the Ogun State Government had issued an official statement on the matter.
Nonetheless, the case remains before the court, which is expected to determine the legality of the land occupation and address the claims raised by the affected parties.
Until then, residents of Adeshina Village say they remain watchful, hoping that legal intervention will bring clarity, protect their livelihoods, and ensure respect for their rights under the law.
