The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), /F.DRI, F.ICMC, has declared that there will be no sacred cow in enforcing the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of ₦500,000 or 5 years' imprisonment for a first offence.
Justice Aderemi gave the warning on Dominion FM 101.6, Ibadan, during a live interview programme anchored by Chike Obogu. She was accompanied by top management of the Authority.
According to her, OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to end lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on the environment, traffic, agriculture, and public order.
She said the Authority has begun aggressive enforcement, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye, and Akinyele.
“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 Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years' imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on a Ministry of Agriculture assessment.
On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.
“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.
Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also carried out extensive sensitisation through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.
She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.
“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.
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