The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing in the state, reiterating that offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five-year imprisonment for the first offence.
OYRLEA and its stance against open grazing
Chairperson of the Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (rtd), gave the warning while featuring in a live interview on an Ibadan-based radio station.
Aderemi, who appeared on the programme alongside top management officials of the Authority, said the enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law would be carried out without favouritism.
She explained that the Authority, established in April 2024 by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, was mandated to curb lawlessness and ensure compliance with existing laws covering environmental protection, traffic management, agriculture and public order.
The chairperson disclosed that OYRLEA had intensified enforcement operations across the state.
She added that the operations included early-morning raids that led to impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido Local Government Area, Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.
According to her, government farm settlements 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.
Citing Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, Aderemi said first-time offenders face five years’ imprisonment or ₦500,000+fine, while subsequent offenders risk 10 years’ imprisonment or ₦2-million fine.
She added that offenders could also be required to compensate farmers whose crops were destroyed, with the amount determined through an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The OYRLEA chairperson dismissed as false and misleading allegations of bias and extortion made against enforcement officials, insisting that the Authority acted on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction.
“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 stated.
Aderemi further disclosed that the OYRLEA has sustained public sensitisation efforts through radio and television programmes to educate residents and other stakeholders on the provisions of the law and the consequences of violations.
She maintained that the enforcement drive was aimed at protecting farmers, preventing the destruction of crops and ensuring compliance with the state’s regulations on cattle rearing and grazing.
