Herders who engage in open grazing in Oyo State risk a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment for a first offence, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned, vowing to intensify enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law.
The chairperson of OYRLEA, retired Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi, gave the warning during a live radio interview in Ibadan, saying the authority would not spare anyone found violating the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law.
Aderemi said OYRLEA, established by Governor Seyi Makinde in April 2024, was created to tackle lawlessness and ensure compliance with existing laws on the environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.
She disclosed that the authority had begun intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle in several locations across the state.
The locations include 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.
“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 five years’ imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for first offenders.
According to her, subsequent offenders face up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, in addition to compensation to affected farmers, assessed by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Aderemi also dismissed allegations of bias and extortion against enforcement officials, 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 during 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 said the authority had also sustained public sensitisation through radio and television jingles, stakeholder meetings involving farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, as well as joint conflict-resolution committees aimed at preventing disputes from escalating.
She urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation was essential to protecting livelihoods, maintaining order and supporting 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,” Aderemi warned.
The statement was signed electronically by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on October 23, 2026.
Kehinde Ayanboade
Kehinde Ayanboade is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Naija Metro News, with over eight years of experience covering Nigerian politics, crime, legislative proceedings and metropolitan affairs.
