The Oyo State Government has intensified enforcement of its anti-open grazing law, warning herders that first-time offenders risk a fine of ₦500,000 or up to five years in prison.
The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, gave the warning during a radio interview in Ibadan, citing the state’s Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
Aderemi disclosed that enforcement operations had led to cattle being impounded in several locations, including Atowoda in Ido Local Government Area, Moniya, Idi-Iroko and Batake Village along the Ibadan-Eruwa Road. Authorities have also targeted unauthorised grazing in government farm settlements.
She added that repeat offenders could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, alongside compensation to farmers whose crops are damaged.
The authority urged livestock owners to obtain the necessary licences and use officially allocated ranches, stressing that the law is intended to protect farmlands, farmers’ livelihoods and public order.