Osun State government has said that the recently-passed anti-open grazing law is not to witch-hunt or victimise the Fulani community in the state.
The government said the law was signed to sustain the peaceful coexistence between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in the state.
It will be recalled that the State House of Assembly had on August 12, passed the bill titled “Bill to regulate animal grazing and establishment of cattle ranches and other related matters”.
Governor Gboyega Oyetola, thereafter, signed the bill into law on September 15.
These were revealed during an engagement and enlightenment programme with the Fulani community organised by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye at the centre for divic engagement, Osogbo.
While speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Civic Engagement noted that Oyetola’s administration appreciated the harmonious and cordial relationship between the government and Fulani community in the state.
Oyintiloye said that government would continue to do everything within its power to protect and preserve the relationship.
He noted that the governor does not condone tribalism, nepotism and stereotype consideration in the affairs of the state, emphasising that all residents in the state have equal rights to enjoy as citizens.
“While all herders including both Fulani and non-Fulani are at liberty to go about their businesses for socioeconomic development, they must equally conduct themselves within the ambit of a new legal framework which is believed to preserve their businesses among other laws of the land instituted to engender harmony, peace and stability,” he added.
In their separate remarks, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Nathaniel Agunbiade; Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Dayo Adewole and Chairman Committee on Peaceful Coexistence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers, Mudasiru Toogun respectively underscored the essence of new grazing law.
In his submission, the Seriki of Fulani Community in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Babatunde, appreciated Oyetola for organising the enlightenment programme.
Babatunde said the sensitisation would further strengthen their relationship with the government, saying the governor would always be commended for peaceful coexistence enjoyed in the state.
While describing the new grazing law as one which would serve as strong protection not only for their herding businesses but also their entire community.
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