The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing in the state, reaffirming that offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment for a first offence.
The Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), gave the warning during a live interview on Dominion FM 101.6, Ibadan, anchored by Chike Obogu.
Aderemi, who was accompanied by top management officials of the Authority, stressed that the state government would not tolerate violations of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
She explained that OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to enforce compliance with existing laws relating to the environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.
The retired jurist disclosed that the Authority had intensified enforcement operations, including early-morning raids that resulted in the 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.
“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 a ₦500,000 fine, while subsequent offenders risk 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine.
She added that offenders could also be required to compensate victims for damaged crops, with the compensation determined through an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.
On allegations of bias and extortion against enforcement officers, the OYRLEA chairperson dismissed the claims as false and misleading, insisting that the Authority’s operations were guided by 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 said.
Aderemi further disclosed that the Authority had sustained public sensitisation through radio and television jingles, stakeholder meetings involving farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, as well as joint conflict-resolution committees established to prevent disputes from escalating.
She urged residents to report violations promptly, emphasising that public cooperation was essential to ensuring a peaceful environment, protecting agricultural investments and strengthening food security in the state.
“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.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law without discrimination, maintaining that all residents must comply with regulations designed to protect lives, property and public order across Oyo State.
