Family Battles Ogun over N1bn Poultry Land Dispute

Ogun poultry land dispute has taken centre stage in Nigeria this week as a family of entrepreneurs appealed directly to Governor Dapo Abiodun, claiming that the state government reassigned their £1 billion poultry farm to a Chinese conglomerate. The appeal, filed in August 2026, highlights growing concerns over land‑use transparency, the protection of indigenous agribusinesses, and the balance between foreign investment and local ownership.

Background of the Ogun poultry land dispute and the family’s claim

The family, whose members have been involved in poultry farming for over two decades, purchased a 150‑hectare tract of land in the Ijebu‑Ife area of Ogun State in 2022. Their investment, valued at roughly £1 billion, included the construction of modern hatcheries, feed mills, and a processing unit designed to serve markets across the southwest region.

According to the appeal, the Ogun State government issued a new lease to a Chinese company in early 2026, effectively displacing the family’s operations. The family alleges that the decision was taken without prior notice, compensation, or a legal basis, and that the new lease contradicts the original land‑use agreement signed with the state’s Ministry of Lands.

“We have built a livelihood for over 300 workers and supplied thousands of households with affordable protein,” the family spokesperson, Mr. Ayodele Adeyemi, told the press. “The sudden hand‑over to a foreign firm not only jeopardises our investment but also threatens food security in the region.”

Governor Abiodun’s response and the political context

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who assumed office in 2023, has positioned himself as a champion of foreign direct investment (FDI) to spur industrial growth. In a statement released on 5 August 2026, the governor’s office said the allocation of the land to the Chinese firm was part of a broader strategy to modernise Nigeria’s poultry sector and create jobs.

“We welcome strategic partnerships that bring technology, expertise and capital to our agricultural sector,” the statement read. “The decision was taken after due process and in line with the state’s economic development plan.” The governor’s office, however, did not provide a detailed briefing on the procedural steps that led to the re‑allocation.

Political analysts note that the timing of the decision coincides with the state’s rollout of a new agricultural investment framework, which aims to attract at least $500 million in foreign capital by 2027. The framework, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, encourages public‑private partnerships but has raised eyebrows among local investors who fear marginalisation.

Legal avenues and the family’s strategy

In their appeal, the family invoked the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution that guarantee the right to private property, as well as the Land Use Act of 1978, which mandates that state governments cannot alienate land without fair compensation and due process. They have also sought an injunction from the Ogun State High Court to halt the hand‑over pending a full hearing.

Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how state governments handle land earmarked for agribusiness. “If the court finds that the allocation was arbitrary, it could compel states to adopt stricter transparency mechanisms,” says Chidinma Okeke, a Lagos‑based property lawyer. “Conversely, a ruling in favour of the government may embolden further foreign‑led projects without robust local safeguards.”

The family has also turned to the media and civil‑society groups, such as the Nigeria Land Rights Forum, to amplify their concerns. The forum has issued a statement urging the government to honour existing contracts and to ensure that any re‑allocation of land is accompanied by genuine community consultation.

Implications for Nigeria’s agribusiness sector

The poultry industry contributes an estimated 12 % of Nigeria’s total meat consumption, with an annual demand of over 2 million tonnes. Local producers have long complained about competition from imported chicken, which is often cheaper due to subsidies in exporting countries.

Foreign investors argue that they can introduce modern bio‑security measures, feed technology, and cold‑chain logistics that local farms struggle to afford. Yet, the Ogun case illustrates the friction that can arise when foreign capital appears to override indigenous entrepreneurship.

Stakeholders are calling for a balanced approach that protects small‑ and medium‑scale farmers while still welcoming the expertise that foreign firms bring. “We need a level playing field,” says Mr. Adeyemi. “That means clear, publicly available land‑allocation policies, transparent bidding processes, and fair compensation when changes occur.”

Public reaction and the role of the media

Since the appeal went public, the story has trended on Nigerian social media platforms, with hashtags like #OgunLandDispute and #ProtectOurFarms gaining traction. Prominent journalists have highlighted the broader issue of land‑rights abuses across the country, citing similar disputes in Lagos, Rivers, and Kaduna states.

Radio talk shows and community forums in Ijebu‑Ife have also been hosting panels to discuss the possible impact on local employment. Many residents expressed anxiety over the prospect of job losses should the Chinese firm implement automation that reduces the need for manual labour.

Meanwhile, the Chinese firm, identified in the appeal as SinoAgri Global Ltd., issued a brief statement asserting that it is committed to “responsible investment” and that it will “cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure compliance with Nigerian law.” The company has not disclosed the scale of its planned investment or the timeline for operational launch.

What the future may hold for the dispute

Legal experts forecast that the High Court could issue a temporary injunction within the next two months, which would pause any further development on the site until a substantive hearing. If the case proceeds to a full trial, it could take up to a year for a final judgment, potentially spilling into 2027.

Regardless of the outcome, the Ogun poultry land dispute is likely to influence policy discussions at both the state and federal levels. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has already announced a review of its land‑allocation guidelines to incorporate greater stakeholder participation.

For the family, the immediate priority remains safeguarding their existing assets and the livelihoods of their workers. “We are not opposed to foreign investment,” says Mr. Adeyemi, “but we expect it to be done in a way that respects the contributions of Nigerian entrepreneurs.”

FAQ

• What is the Ogun poultry land dispute about? It concerns a family’s claim that the Ogun State government illegally reassigned their £1 billion poultry farm to a Chinese company without due process or compensation.
• Which legal provisions are being invoked? The family cites the Nigerian Constitution’s protection of private property and the 1978 Land Use Act, which requires fair compensation and transparent procedures for land alienation.
• How could this case affect future foreign investment? A ruling that favours the family could force state governments to tighten land‑allocation processes, while a ruling for the government may encourage more foreign‑led agribusiness projects under existing frameworks.

For ongoing updates on the Ogun poultry land dispute, keep an eye on reputable Nigerian news outlets and official statements from the Ogun State Ministry of Lands.

Sources

Family tackles Ogun over N1bn poultry land – Punch Nigeria

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