The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has engaged farmers, herders and other critical stakeholders in a roundtable discussion on resolutions reached during the Stakeholders’ Summit on adherence to the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, with a view to harmonising areas of agreement among stakeholders.
The meeting, which was held on Thursday at the Local Government Service Commission Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, provided an avenue for participants to deliberate on peaceful coexistence, implementation of the grazing regulation 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 discourse became imperative in view of the need to strengthen compliance, deepen dialogue and promote sustainable livestock management in the State.
She noted that the engagement was aimed at addressing recurring challenges affecting 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 Aderonke Aderemi said the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to sustaining peace and protecting the interests of all residents in the state.
Justice Aderemi (Rtd.) 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.
She added that Governor Makinde’s major objective was to ensure lasting peace among all stakeholders, urging farmers and herders to cooperate with the government and obey the rule of law.
She therefore appealed to herders occupying government lands to vacate such areas and approach the Ministry of Agriculture for proper land allocation and ranching arrangements.
She also warned traders against selling rams, goats, sheep and chickens along roadsides during the forthcoming Ileya celebration, saying violators would face the full wrath of the law.
The Chairperson commended Governor Makinde for what she described as his peaceful approach to governance and crisis management, describing him as “God-sent” to the people of Oyo State.
In their separate remarks,the representatives of herders’ and farmers Alh. Muhammed Kabir Labar; Alh. Abubakar Jijji Ibrahim; Pa David Olatunji, and Alh. Abdulrazak Duduyemi, said they were willing to comply with the law and embrace peaceful engagement among themselves, as the stakeholders at the meeting agreed to establish a committee to address disputes among themselves.
They also resolved to hold periodic meetings and report their decisions to the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.
The meeting also featured goodwill messages from the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Dr. Taiwo Olabode Ladipo; the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Muyiwa Olagoke Esq.; the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Dr. Ademola Aderinto; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, who was represented by Dr. Akinloye Bukola, Director of Animal Husbandry Services; as well as the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd.).
Other notable dignitaries at the event included the Executive Adviser to the Governor on the Rule of Law, CP Sonubi Olufemi Ayodele (Rtd.),
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (Rtd.), the Resource Person, Hon. Justice W. O. Akanbi (Rtd.); Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (Rtd.), Segun Adegoke Esq., Chairman of the Oyo State Environmental Task Force, DCP Ojomo Francis, alongside other stakeholders.
Also in attendance were the Zonal Chairman, South-West, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Alh. Muhammed Kabir Labar and the State Chairman, Alh. Abubakar Jijji Ibrahim. The Chairman, Oyo State Farm Settlers Association, OSFASA, Pa David Olatunji, Chairmen of Livestocks Dealers and Breedees Association, Baale Agbe-in- Council, Association of Cattle Dealers and Breeders, Cassava Grower Association, Pasture Grower Association, PAPCAMAVA, Youth Alliance for Sustainable Livestock Production, amongst others.
