Open grazing illegal in Ibadan, offenders will face prosecution — Olubadan

 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has issued a stern warning to herders against open grazing within Ibadan and its environs, declaring the practice unlawful and unacceptable under Oyo State law.

The monarch gave the warning after a meeting with members of the Ibadan Traditional Council and the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, stressing that anyone found violating the ban would be arrested and prosecuted.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Olugbemiga Ayoade, the Olubadan said authorities would no longer tolerate activities that threaten the safety of farmers and residents.

According to him, open grazing remains prohibited in the state, and security agencies have been directed to enforce the law without hesitation.

He said, “Any individual caught engaging in open cattle grazing in defiance of the Oyo State law will be arrested and prosecuted. We will not stand by and watch farmers being attacked, their families assaulted, and their farmlands destroyed — which serve as their source of livelihood.”

The traditional ruler also charged titleholders and community leaders across Ibadanland to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting lives and property within their domains, warning that negligence of duty would attract sanctions from the palace.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, David Olatunji, lamented what he described as repeated attacks on farmers by suspected herders, resulting in destruction of crops and threats to lives.

“Our members have suffered several attacks. Our children are exposed to danger, our wives assaulted, and our farms destroyed,” he said, calling on the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to urgently intervene.

Recall that South-West governors had, in 2021, announced a regional ban on open grazing following rising tensions and violent clashes between herders and farming communities.