NIGERIA: Olubadan Declares Open Grazing Illegal In Ibadan, Orders Arrest Of Offenders

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has outlawed open cattle grazing across Ibadanland, warning that violators will face arrest and prosecution, as traditional authorities move to curb insecurity and protect farming communities.

The directive followed a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and executives of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan, where the monarch described the continued practice of open grazing as unlawful and unacceptable.

Olubadan said: “Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.”

The Olubadan directed cattle rearers to halt open grazing immediately, stressing that enforcement would be uncompromising.

He noted: “Any person caught disobeying the Oyo State law that forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law.”

He condemned attacks on farming communities, saying the palace would no longer tolerate violence or destruction of livelihoods.

“We will not fold our arms and watch herdsmen kill farmers, attack their children, assault their wives, and destroy their farms, which are their means of livelihood.”

Traditional leaders, including Mogajis and Baales, were charged to intensify vigilance within their domains and ensure the safety of residents, with a warning that negligence could attract sanctions.

The monarch further reiterate: “Traditional leaders must keep watch in their communities and ensure adequate security of lives and property.”

Residents were also urged to promptly alert security agencies to suspicious movements or criminal elements within their communities.

Earlier, representatives of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association raised alarm over what they described as repeated attacks on farmers and farmland destruction.

The association appealed for urgent intervention to safeguard farmers and restore confidence in rural security.

The association pleaded: “We are pleading for the support and protection of the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to rescue us from these destructive activities.”

The meeting was attended by senior traditional title holders and palace chiefs, underscoring a coordinated push to enforce existing anti-open grazing laws and strengthen communit

y security across Ibadanland.