The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has expressed strong displeasure over the continued practice of open cattle grazing within Ibadanland, describing it as illegal, dangerous, and unacceptable.

The monarch made this known in a press release issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, following a crucial meeting held on Monday at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan. The meeting was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council and executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association.

Oba Ladoja unequivocally stated that open cattle grazing is prohibited, not only in Ibadanland but across Oyo State, in line with existing state laws. He warned cattle rearers to desist from the practice immediately or face legal consequences.

“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also expressly forbidden in Ibadanland and Oyo State at large,” the Olubadan declared. “Anyone found flouting the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”

The paramount ruler lamented the persistent security challenges linked to open grazing, particularly the reported cases of killings, rape, kidnapping, and destruction of farmlands allegedly perpetrated by some herdsmen. He emphasised that such acts threaten the peace, security, and economic survival of farming communities.“We will not fold our arms while farmers are being killed, their children murdered, their wives raped, and their farms destroyed—the very source of their livelihood,” Oba Ladoja stressed.The Olubadan further charged Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional title holders to remain vigilant within their respective domains and to ensure adequate security of lives and property. He warned that failure to uphold peace and security at the community level could attract sanctions from the palace.

In addition, residents of Ibadan were urged to promptly alert law enforcement agencies whenever they observe the presence of suspected Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers, or other criminal elements in their neighbourhoods.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented the escalating attacks on farm settlers by suspected herdsmen. He recounted harrowing experiences of farmers being killed, women raped, children attacked, and farmlands destroyed.

Pastor Olatunji decried the lack of arrests and prosecutions despite repeated reports to police stations and other security agencies, noting that all the farmers’ efforts to protect themselves had proved futile. He appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention, protection, and enforcement of the anti-open grazing law.Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin. (The Guardian)