₦500K Fine or 5-Year Jail Term For Open Grazing Illegal, OYRLEA Warns Herders

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has reaffirmed that open grazing is illegal in Oyo State, warning herders that first-time offenders face a ₦500,000 fine and up to 5 years imprisonment for the first offence.

The Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), gave the warning during a live radio interview in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, saying OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture, and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village, along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye, and Akinyele.

“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 prescribes 5 years imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for first offenders and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on the Ministry of Agriculture assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

“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 stated.

Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitisation through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers, and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer, and food-secure Oyo 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.

Packaged by Lanre Olabisi