The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing in the state, stating that first-time offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment under the state’s anti-open grazing law.
The Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (retd.), gave the warning during a live interview on Dominion FM 101.6, Ibadan, anchored by Chike Obogu. She was accompanied by senior management officials of the Authority.
Aderemi said OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to enforce existing laws covering environmental protection, traffic, agriculture and public order.
She disclosed that the Authority had intensified enforcement against open grazing, including early-morning operations that led to 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.
The chairperson said farm settlements were intended for agricultural activities and not unauthorised cattle grazing. She advised interested livestock farmers to obtain the necessary licences from the Ministry of Agriculture and secure approved ranches.
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 affected farmers, with damages assessed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Addressing allegations of bias and extortion during enforcement operations, the OYRLEA chairperson denied the claims, saying the Authority acted on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction.
She urged anyone who felt unfairly treated during enforcement to lodge a formal complaint with the Authority.
Aderemi also said OYRLEA had sustained public awareness campaigns through radio and television jingles, stakeholder meetings involving farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, as well as joint committees established to resolve conflicts.
She called on residents to report violations promptly, stressing that enforcement was intended to protect livelihoods and uphold the law rather than target any ethnic group or occupation.
The chairperson added that the Authority would continue enforcing laws on open grazing, refuse disposal and trading on roads as part of efforts to promote public order and protect the environment across Oyo State.
