Oyo govt allays fear of herders, farmers on enforcement of anti-open grazing law

•Outlaws roadside sale of cows, rams during Eid festival

By Soji Ajibola

OYO State government has allayed the fears of herders and farmers on the implementation of the 2019 Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing law as it submitted that its passage is neither aimed at intimidating nor oppressing a particular ethnic group in the state.

It also outlawed the sale of cows and rams along the major roads during the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir festival in the 33 local government areas, stating that there are designated markets for such business activity in all the local government areas of the state.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the Stakeholders’ Summit on Adherence to Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law of 2019 in Ibadan on Thursday.

The stakeholders resolved to ensure a strict compliance with the law, noting its health and economic benefits.

They also sought the collaboration of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), especially in creating awareness among the players.

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In her opening remarks, the chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), stated that the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law was enacted to address the farmer-herder conflicts, destruction of farmlands, threats to public safety, and disruptions to livelihoods.

The law, according to her, provides a legal framework to ensure order, protect investments, and promote peaceful coexistence.

She maintained that a law that is not adhered to cannot deliver value, adding that the law is not optional but foundation upon which peace, security, and development in Oyo State must rest.

She said, “The summit is convened to critically examine adherence. We must acknowledge that enforcement alone cannot guarantee adherence. True compliance requires awareness, cooperation, and a shared commitment from all stakeholders—government, security agencies, community leaders, farmers, and herders alike.

“At the same time, we must be firm in our resolve: Non-compliance undermines the rule of law, and it will not be tolerated. Our approach, therefore, must be balanced—firm in enforcement, but inclusive in engagement; decisive in action, but fair in process.”

In his remark, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Professor Musbau Babatunde, urged stakeholders to look beyond the law and focus on its enforcement so as to know the right direction on way out.

Also, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Oyo State, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, called on residents of the state to abide by the law, which according to him is the only way out in resolving the farmer-herder conflict.

The commissioner, represented by Dr. Bukola Akinloye urged farmers in the state to go into ranching, adding that livestock itself is a business and no business should disturb others in the state.