By Bukola Hameed
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has engaged farmers, herders and other critical stakeholders in a roundtable discussion aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence and ensuring compliance with the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law.
The meeting, held on Thursday at the Local Government Service Commission Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, provided an avenue for stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation of the grazing law and measures to prevent recurring clashes between farmers and herders across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), said the engagement became necessary to deepen dialogue, strengthen compliance and promote sustainable livestock management in the state.
She noted that the meeting addressed recurring challenges affecting both farmers and herders, including destruction of farmlands, insecurity and disruption of livelihoods.
According to her, peaceful coexistence among stakeholders remains critical to sustaining development and stability across communities in the state.
Justice Aderemi stated that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to sustaining peace and protecting the interests of all residents.
She explained that adherence to the grazing regulation law was not limited to farm settlements alone, stressing that the law also covered individual farmlands and was binding on both farmers and rearers.
The OYRLEA chairperson added that Governor Makinde’s major objective was to ensure lasting peace among all stakeholders, urging farmers and herders to cooperate with government and obey the rule of law.
She also appealed to herders occupying government lands to vacate such areas and approach the Ministry of Agriculture for proper land allocation and ranching arrangements.
Justice Aderemi further warned traders against selling rams, goats, sheep and chickens along roadsides during the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebration, noting that violators would face sanctions.
She commended Governor Makinde for his peaceful approach to governance and crisis management, describing him as “God-sent” to the people of Oyo State.
In their separate remarks, representatives of herders and farmers, including Alhaji Muhammed Kabir Labar, Alhaji Abubakar Jijji Ibrahim, Pa David Olatunji and Alhaji Abdulrazak Duduyemi, expressed willingness to comply with the law and sustain peaceful engagement.
Stakeholders at the meeting also agreed to establish a committee to address disputes and hold periodic meetings, while reporting resolutions reached to the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.
The meeting featured goodwill messages from the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Dr. Taiwo Olabode Ladipo; the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Muyiwa Olagoke Esq.; and the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Dr. Ademola Aderinto.
Also represented at the meeting was the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development through the Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Dr. Akinloye Bukola, as well as the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd.).
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law, CP Sonubi Olufemi Ayodele (Rtd.); Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd.); Resource Person, Hon. Justice W.O. Akanbi (Rtd.); Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (Rtd.), Segun Adegoke Esq.; and the Chairman of the Oyo State Environmental Task Force, DCP Ojomo Francis, among others.
Also present were leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), the Oyo State Farm Settlers Association (OSFASA), livestock dealers, breeders, cassava growers, pasture growers and other agricultural stakeholders.