The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has reiterated its commitment to peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the state, following a stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening compliance with the state’s open grazing regulation law.
The engagement, held on Thursday at the Local Government Service Commission Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, brought together farmers, herders and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on resolutions reached during the stakeholders’ summit on adherence to the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law.
The meeting focused on harmonising areas of agreement among stakeholders, promoting peaceful coexistence, ensuring effective implementation of the grazing regulation law and preventing recurring clashes between farmers and herders across the state.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, said the roundtable discussion became necessary to strengthen compliance, deepen dialogue and encourage sustainable livestock management in Oyo State.
She explained that the engagement was designed to address recurring challenges affecting both farmers and herders, including destruction of farmlands, insecurity and disruption of livelihoods.
According to her, peaceful coexistence among all stakeholders remains crucial to sustaining development and stability in communities across the state.
Justice Aderemi noted that the administration of Seyi Makinde remained committed to maintaining peace and protecting the interests of all residents.
She stressed that compliance with the grazing regulation law was not limited to farm settlements alone, adding that the law also covered individual farmlands and was binding on both farmers and livestock rearers.
“The governor’s objective is to ensure lasting peace among all stakeholders,” she said, while urging farmers and herders to cooperate with government and obey the rule of law.
The OYRLEA chairperson also appealed to herders occupying government lands to vacate such areas and approach the Ministry of Agriculture for proper land allocation and ranching arrangements.
She further warned traders against selling rams, goats, sheep and chickens along roadsides during the forthcoming Ileya celebration, noting that violators would face sanctions under the law.
Justice Aderemi commended Governor Makinde for his approach to governance and conflict resolution, describing him as “God-sent” to the people of Oyo State.
In their separate remarks, representatives of farmers and herders, including Muhammed Kabir Labar, Abubakar Jijji Ibrahim, David Olatunji and Abdulrazak Duduyemi, expressed readiness to comply with the law and embrace peaceful engagement.
The stakeholders also agreed to establish a committee to address disputes among themselves, while resolving to hold periodic meetings and forward their decisions to the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.
The meeting featured goodwill messages from the Secretary to the State Government, Musbau Babatunde, represented by Dr. Taiwo Olabode Ladipo; the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, represented by Muyiwa Olagoke Esq.; the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto; and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and other government agencies.
Other dignitaries at the event included Sonubi Olufemi Ayodele, Sunday Odukoya, W. O. Akanbi and Ojomo Francis, among others.
Representatives of several groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Farm Settlers Association, livestock dealers, cassava growers and pasture growers associations, also attended the meeting.
