The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing, saying offenders risk a N500,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment for a first offence. The chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), gave the warning during a live interview on Dominion FM 101.6…...
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has warned herders against open grazing, saying offenders risk a N500,000 fine or five years’ imprisonment for a first offence.
The chairperson of the authority, Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), gave the warning during a live interview on Dominion FM 101.6 in Ibadan, according to a statement dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Aderemi said the authority had intensified enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, 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.
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“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 2019 law, which prescribes a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment for first-time offenders.
She added that repeat offenders face 10 years’ imprisonment or a ₦2 million fine, alongside compensation to affected farmers based on an assessment by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Aderemi also dismissed allegations of bias and extortion against enforcement officials, insisting that the authority acted on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction.
“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 stated.
She explained that OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to enforce compliance with existing laws covering environmental protection, traffic, agriculture and public order.
According to her, the authority has also intensified 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.
The chairperson urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation was necessary to ensure effective enforcement.
“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,” she warned.