Oyo Cracks Down on Illegal Livestock Sales, Open Grazing in Ibadan

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, OYRLEA, has intensified enforcement against illegal livestock trading and open grazing in parts of Ibadan, warning offenders to obey state regulations or face penalties.

The agency said the action followed awareness campaigns carried out with the Association of Livestock Dealers and Breeders to inform traders and residents about approved locations for livestock sales.

In a statement issued by the Chairperson of OYRLEA, retired Justice Aderonke Aderemi, traders had earlier been warned not to sell sheep, rams, and goats at unauthorised locations across the state.

The authority also advised livestock owners and traders to obtain the list of approved trading centres from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development.

During Friday’s enforcement operation, OYRLEA officials visited the Liberty area and the Elekuro High School axis along Akanran Road in Ibadan, where some traders were reportedly operating against the directive.

The team also intercepted animals grazing openly around the Sawmill Onipepeye area, an act the agency said violated the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law.

At the end of the operation, officials impounded seven rams and one goat.

OYRLEA said it would continue enforcing laws on environmental sanitation, public order, and livestock management, while urging residents and traders to comply with government regulations.