The Ekiti State Government has expressed concern over the five-year-long crisis within the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), stating that the division has negatively impacted farmers’ coordination and productivity.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Dr. Sikiru Olowoyo, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agricultural Extension Services, confirmed that the farmers’ crisis had led to the factionalisation of the apex farmers’ body.

Commenting on the outcome of a peace meeting he facilitated on Wednesday between the two AFAN groups, led by Adebola Alagbada and Rufus Oni, Dr. Olowoyo said, “This reconciliation will keep AFAN on the path of development, enable easy coordination of all members and boost the production of food in Ekiti State.” He added, “At the meeting, we brokered peace between the two factions and reconciled them to have one body of AFAN in Ekiti State.”

Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji

He further stated that the unified body would soon conduct an election to select a single leader upon the expiration of the tenures of the current group leaders.

In a separate conversation, Alagbada attributed the division in AFAN to the rival group’s non-compliance with a state government order during a past association election. He commended the intervention led by the Office of the SSA, stating, “I appreciate the intervention of the SSA. I align with it; I am a peacemaker.” However, Alagbada emphasised the need for a fresh start: “But it is better that we have a fresh election and put in place an executive that will be acceptable to all. That is my candid opinion. We want a free and fair election. If they want to come to the office, they should prepare for the election where credibility, popularity and acceptability among farmers will be shown.”