The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone Limited (OGFTZ) has firmly denied claims of forcefully taking over 158 hectares of land from 13 families in Igbesa, Ogun State. The company insists that the land in question was part of the 8,000 hectares originally acquired by the Ogun State Government over two decades ago for the Ogun Property Investment Company (OPIC).
Speaking to reporters, Kabiru Ajayi, the senior special assistant to the board chairperson, Hajia Hafsat Tafawa-Balewa Oduwole, clarified that the Chinese partners in the Free Trade Zone were not involved in any land purchase or acquisition matters.
Ajayi further explained that 2,000.407 hectares out of the 8,000 were allocated to OGFTZ as the state’s equity in its partnership with China-Africa Investment FZ Company. He also presented official documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), to back the claims.
This clarification came in response to recent protests by the Concerned Landowners Association, who accused Chinese companies of overstepping their allocated boundaries and using security forces—including the police, army, and DSS—to forcefully claim more land.
The protesters also alleged that their homes, farms, schools, religious centers, and small businesses were demolished in the process.
Ajayi, however, dismissed these allegations, challenging the protesters to produce their own valid C of O to prove ownership of the 650 hectares they claimed. “They won’t be able to because their story is entirely fabricated,” he said.
Adding to the rebuttal, Jamiu Ajidaba, head of Iludofin, called on the public to disregard the agitators, emphasizing that they do not represent the community’s interest.
According to him, the government had already identified and compensated genuine landowners affected by the acquisition in 2007 and 2008. He also highlighted the Free Trade Zone’s role in community development and empowerment.
In a formal statement, OGFTZ denounced what it described as a “misleading and malicious publication” that aims to tarnish its image and disrupt peace. “These falsehoods are clearly orchestrated to stir unrest and discredit the positive efforts we are making in Ogun State,” the company stated.
OGFTZ reiterated that its presence is part of a landmark joint venture between the Ogun State government and the Guangdong Province of China, and all allocated lands were lawfully acquired and documented.
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