Some farmers under the group Afero Commercial Farmers ( Epe), Cooperative Agricultural And Multipurpose Society Limited have appealed to the governor of Lagos state, Governor Babatunde Fashola, to prevail on the Lagos State ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Lands to release the funds meant for their relocation.

The farmers were to be compensated by the Lagos State government over their seized farmland which is under the area marked for the proposed Lekki International Airport to be built.

Chairman of the group, Prince Wale Oyekoya, at the peaceful protest held at the Governor's office and Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa on Wednesday, said despite the notice that N5 billion had been released to the ministries concerned, nothing had been heard, as none of what was promised them has been given to the farmers.

He said, "so far, no land has been given to us to move our farm equipments to, no money given to compensate us on our 100 hectares of land out of the 4500 hectares acquired for the Lekki international airport"

Oyekoya, who is also the chairman, Agric and Non-Oil Export group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said they are losing daily income caused by the delay in compensating them and their properties used as collaterals to secure loans from banks are in the process of being taken over by the banks.

He said the cooperative was formed by the collective of farmers affected by the proposed airport project and is recognised and registered by all relevant bodies within and outside the country.

Expressing their grievances over the delay, the Legal Adviser of the Farmers, Barr. Oyetunde Oyetaya, said they were not asking for enrichment but adequate compensation for their seized farmlands.

He expressed doubt on the expertise and experience of the staff of the ministries in charge of their enumeration and compensation since none of them was qualified agricultural expert to know the value of the crops and investment expended on the farms.

Responding to the protesting farmers on behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Ahmed Omisore, representing Ifako/Ijaiye constituency, said the house is a listening house and will intervene as soon as its recess is over in September.

He commended the farmers over the peaceful protest and said a committee will be formed, where all the parties concerned will be called upon to address issues raised.
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Govt give a listening ear... HABA!