The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, has warned herders against open grazing in the state, saying first-time offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment under the state’s anti-open grazing law.
Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, has warned that no individual will be exempted from enforcement of the state’s anti open grazing law.
She stated that the authority has already commenced intensive crackdowns, with dawn raids leading to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido Local Government Area, Batake Village along the Ibadan–Eruwa Road, as well as Idi Iroko and Moniya.
She said enforcement had also covered government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele, stressing that the facilities were designated for farming activities and should not be used for unauthorised cattle grazing.
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“Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,” she said.
The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which she said, prescribes five years’ imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for first offenders.
She added that repeat offenders risked 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, in addition to compensation to affected farmers based on an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.
She urged cattle owners who wish to rear livestock to obtain the necessary licence from the Ministry of Agriculture and secure an approved ranch, warning that the destruction of crops and farmers’ livelihoods would not be tolerated.
OYRLEA was established by Governor Seyi Makinde in April 2024 to promote compliance with existing laws covering the environment, traffic, agriculture and public order, as said by the chairperson.
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