Farmers Protest by Shutting Lagos/Ore Expressway Over Cocoa Plantation Grading Plan

Angry Cocoa Farmers Block Major Highway in Protest Against Government Action

LAGOS – Cocoa farmers in southwestern Nigeria have taken drastic action by shutting down the busy Lagos/Ore expressway in protest against government plans to grade their cocoa plantations.

The protest, which began early Tuesday morning, has caused significant traffic disruptions along the major transportation route connecting Lagos to other parts of the country.

Why Farmers Are Protesting

According to local sources, the farmers are opposing a government initiative that would involve grading and potentially clearing portions of their cocoa plantations for infrastructure development. The affected plantations represent the livelihood of hundreds of farming families in the region.

“We cannot stand by while our means of survival is destroyed,” said Chief Adebayo Olawale, spokesperson for the protesting farmers. “These plantations have been in our families for generations.”

Impact on Transportation

The blockade has created massive traffic jams stretching several kilometers, with commuters reporting being stuck for hours. Transportation officials are advising motorists to seek alternative routes until the situation is resolved.

Security personnel have been deployed to the area to maintain order and facilitate dialogue between the protesters and government representatives.

Government Response

Local government officials have acknowledged the protest and stated they are willing to engage with the farmers to find a mutually acceptable solution. The Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture promised that “no final decisions will be made without proper consultation with all stakeholders.”

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between agricultural preservation and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s rapidly growing economy.

For more details on this developing story, visit the original source at Independent Newspaper Nigeria.