The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law, stating that over 58 cows have been confiscated for flouting the regulation in the last two years.
Speaking during an inter-ministerial press briefing held in Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the state remains firm on its stance against open grazing. He emphasized that several herders have been prosecuted and fined for breaching the law.
“The anti-open grazing law is still in effect in Oyo State,” Olaleye said. “We have arrested more than 58 cows in the last two years, and several offenders have faced legal action. This is a clear message that the law is not just a paper policy — it is being enforced.”
The law, which was enacted in 2019 following its passage by the State House of Assembly and subsequent assent by Governor Seyi Makinde, was designed to curb the perennial clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
Olaleye noted that the government had taken further steps to ensure agricultural security by constructing a security outpost at the Ijaye Farm Settlement, a move he said was aimed at protecting farmers and their investments.
“Oyo is now the safest state for farming,” the commissioner declared. “We have the largest number of Amotekun personnel, vast arable lands, and ongoing initiatives to promote commercial agriculture. Farmers have not abandoned the Ijaye Farm Settlement.”
He further disclosed that the state government is in talks with some local communities to utilize unused lands for agricultural purposes, as part of its broader agenda for food security.
“We’re working with communities to make idle lands available for farming. This is crucial to achieving food sufficiency in the state,” Olaleye said.
