The Oyo State Government has warned herders against open grazing, saying first-time offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment under the state’s anti-open grazing law.
The chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), issued the warning during a live radio interview in Ibadan, stressing that nobody would be exempt from enforcement.
Aderemi said the authority had intensified operations to curb violations, including dawn raids that resulted in the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido Local Government Area, Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko and Moniya.
She added that enforcement operations had extended to government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele, warning that the facilities were designated for agricultural activities and must not be used for unauthorised cattle grazing.
“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 a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment for first-time offenders.
According to her, repeat offenders face a stiffer penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, in addition to compensation for affected farmers.
She said compensation would be determined based on an assessment by the state Ministry of Agriculture.
Aderemi also rejected allegations that enforcement officers were biased or engaging in extortion, describing the claims as false and misleading.
She maintained that the authority acted on petitions submitted by farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction, adding that its operations followed due process.
“Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,” she said.
The chairperson said the authority had stepped up public enlightenment campaigns through radio and television jingles, alongside meetings with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers.
She added that joint conflict-resolution committees had been established to address disputes between farmers and herders before they escalated into violence.
Aderemi urged residents to report suspected violations promptly, noting that public cooperation was essential to protecting livelihoods, maintaining public order and strengthening food security.
“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,” she warned.
OYRLEA was established by Governor Seyi Makinde in April 2024 to promote compliance with state laws covering environmental protection, traffic management, agriculture and public order.
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