The Oyo State House of Assembly has launched a public hearing and stakeholder engagement on the Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019. The initiative aims to evaluate the law’s implementation, identify challenges, and recommend amendments where necessary.
The hearing, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, on Wednesday, was conducted in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). It brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun), Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and civil society organizations.
Declaring the public hearing open, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, noted that the adoption of Post-Legislative Scrutiny marks a significant milestone in the state’s legislative practice. He emphasized that the PLS process allows lawmakers to review existing laws, assess compliance, and determine whether amendments or repeals are necessary for improved implementation.
In his welcome address, House Majority Leader and Committee Chairman, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, explained that the public hearing aims to gather ideas and insights on modern legislative practices while specifically evaluating the effectiveness of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law in addressing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bar. Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described the law as a work in progress designed to support economic growth and individual livelihoods. She recommended involving local government officials and traditional rulers in the law’s implementation to enhance effectiveness.
Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), Chairperson of Amotekun and OYRLEA, noted that the law serves as a critical security measure to protect all residents, regardless of ethnicity or religion. She highlighted its role in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and suggested stricter penalties, increased fines, and the establishment of agency offices in all 33 local government areas.
Representatives of MACBAN called for increased public awareness and education on the law, emphasizing fairness, justice, and the inclusion of local authorities and community members in its enforcement. Other stakeholders also submitted memoranda for consideration.
Speaker Ogundoyin assured all participants that their submissions would be carefully reviewed and harmonized for necessary legislative action. Lawmakers in attendance included Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola, Hon. Dele Adeola, Hon. Comforter Olajide, and Hon. Peter Ojedokun.
Leave a Reply