OYRLEA Warns Oyo Herders: Open Grazing Attracts ₦500,000 Fine, 5-Year Jail Term

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has reiterated its ban on open grazing across the state, warning herders and other residents against violating the state’s Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law.

The Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), gave the warning during a live interview on Dominion FM 101.6 in Ibadan. She said the Authority would enforce the law without favour and that anyone found engaging in prohibited open grazing would face the prescribed penalties.

According to her, first-time offenders are liable to a fine of ₦500,000 or five years imprisonment, while subsequent offenders risk 10 years imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine. She added that offenders could also be required to compensate farmers whose crops or property are damaged, based on assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Justice Aderemi said OYRLEA, established by the Oyo State Government in April 2024, has intensified enforcement operations across the state. She disclosed that the Authority had carried out dawn operations in areas including 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, leading to the impounding of cattle.

She stressed that farm settlements were created for agricultural activities and not for unrestricted cattle grazing, advising livestock owners who wish to rear cattle to obtain the necessary licence from the Ministry of Agriculture and operate within designated ranching arrangements.

The OYRLEA chairperson also rejected allegations that the enforcement exercise was targeted at a particular group or being used for extortion. She said the Authority’s operations are based on complaints from farmers and evidence of alleged crop destruction, adding that due process is followed during enforcement.

Beyond enforcement, Aderemi said OYRLEA has continued to engage farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers through sensitisation programmes, radio and television jingles, stakeholder meetings and joint conflict-resolution committees.

She called on residents to report violations promptly, stressing that the enforcement of the law is aimed at protecting livelihoods, maintaining public order and ensuring peaceful coexistence across Oyo State.

“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law,” she said, warning that violations of the state’s laws would attract appropriate sanctions.