The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing in the state, saying first-time offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment under the state’s anti-open grazing law.

The chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd.), gave the warning during a live radio interview in Ibadan, declaring that no individual would be exempted from enforcement of the law.

Aderemi said the authority had commenced intensive operations against violations, including dawn raids that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido Local Government Area, Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko and Moniya.

She said enforcement had also covered government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele, stressing that the facilities were designated for farming activities and should 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.

The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which, according to her, prescribes five years’ imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for first offenders.

She added that repeat offenders risked 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, in addition to compensation to affected farmers based on an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Aderemi also dismissed allegations of bias and extortion against enforcement officers, describing them as false and misleading.

She said the authority acted on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction, adding that due process was followed in its operations.

“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.

The OYRLEA chairperson disclosed that the authority had intensified public awareness campaigns through radio and television jingles, as well as stakeholder meetings involving farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers.

She said joint conflict-resolution committees had also been established to prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

Aderemi urged residents to report suspected violations promptly, noting that public cooperation was essential to protecting livelihoods, maintaining public order and improving 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.

OYRLEA was established by Governor Seyi Makinde in April 2024 to promote compliance with existing laws covering the environment, traffic, agriculture and public order, according to the chairperson. (The Guardian)