The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing, saying first-time offenders risk a ₦500,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment under the state’s anti-open grazing law.
The chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), issued the warning during a live radio interview in Ibadan, stressing that no individual would be exempt from enforcement.
Aderemi said the authority had intensified operations against violations, including dawn raids that led to 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 covered government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele, noting that the facilities were designated for farming activities and should 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.
Repeat Offenders Risk ₦2m Fine Or 10-Year Jail Term
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-time offenders.
According to Aderemi, repeat offenders face up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, in addition to compensation for affected farmers based on an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.
She said the authority’s operations were driven by complaints from farmers and evidence of crop destruction.
Aderemi also rejected allegations that enforcement officers were biased or engaged in extortion, describing the claims as false and misleading.
“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.
OYRLEA Intensifies Public Awareness Campaigns
The OYRLEA chairperson disclosed that the authority had expanded public awareness campaigns through radio and television jingles, alongside stakeholder meetings involving farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers.
She said joint conflict-resolution committees had also been established to prevent disputes from escalating into violence.
Aderemi urged residents to report suspected violations promptly, saying public cooperation was necessary to protect livelihoods, maintain public order and improve 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.
According to Aderemi, OYRLEA was established by Governor Seyi Makinde in April 2024 to promote compliance with existing laws covering environmental protection, traffic, agriculture and public order.
