Oyo Reaffirms Penalties for Open Grazing, Warns of Jail Terms

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has warned herders against open grazing, stating that offenders risk a fine of 500,000 naira or five years' imprisonment for a first offence.

The authority's chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, gave the warning during a radio interview in Ibadan, reaffirming the enforcement of the state's Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law.

Aderemi said enforcement operations had led to the seizure of cattle in parts of Ido, Moniya and other locations, including government farm settlements. She advised livestock owners to obtain licences from the Ministry of Agriculture and secure approved ranches for cattle rearing.

Under Section 16(1) of the 2019 law, repeat offenders face up to 10 years' imprisonment or a two-million-naira fine. Offenders may also be required to compensate farmers for damaged crops, based on an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The chairperson denied allegations of bias and extortion, saying enforcement is based on complaints and verifiable evidence. She urged residents to report violations and called for cooperation among farmers, herders and community leaders to prevent conflicts.