State Farmers Face Fierce Levy Allegations as Reforms Loom
Ondo State's cocoa farmers are set for a major shake-up in their operations, but one top official is stepping away from the spotlight. Ex-ALGON chairman Augustine Oloruntogbe has rejected his appointment on the Cocoa Revolution and Management Board, citing personal and professional commitments while highlighting urgent concerns among local farmers.
According to Daily Post Nigeria reporting, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the board's constitution to position agriculture as a key economic driver. However, in Oloruntogbe’s letter, he emphasized that his rejection was due to ‘pressing personal and professional commitments’ preventing him from giving proper attention to this critical assignment.
Cocoa Farmers and Private Payments
In the rejection missive, Oloruntogbe drew urgent attention to allegations made by cocoa farmers within the Oka Akoko region farming in the Ose Game Reserve. These farmers claim up to N150,000 is being collected from each without any official receipt issued.