The Oyo State Government has defended the state’s 2019 Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law, insisting that the legislation was introduced to promote peace, protect livelihoods, and prevent recurring clashes between farmers and herders across the state.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups, stressing that the law was not designed to target or oppress any particular group.
This position was made known during a stakeholders’ summit on adherence to the Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law held in Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd), said the law was enacted to address growing concerns surrounding farmer-herder conflicts, destruction of farmlands, threats to public safety, and disruptions to economic activities.
According to her, the legislation provides a structured legal framework aimed at ensuring order, protecting investments, and strengthening harmony among communities in the state’s 33 local government areas.
She noted that while the law already exists, the major challenge lies in ensuring full compliance and effective implementation across affected communities.
Justice Aderemi maintained that adherence to the law remains critical to achieving lasting peace, security, and sustainable development in Oyo State.
“The summit is convened to critically examine adherence: where are we getting it right, where are the gaps, and what must we do differently to strengthen compliance?” she said.
She further stressed that enforcement alone would not guarantee success, adding that awareness, cooperation, and collective responsibility among stakeholders are necessary for the law to achieve its intended objectives.
The retired judge called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, security operatives, traditional rulers, farmers, herders, and community leaders to ensure effective compliance and reduce tensions linked to open grazing practices.
The state government reiterated that the law remains a key instrument for maintaining public order, safeguarding agricultural investments, and promoting peaceful coexistence across Oyo State.
