Olubadan Bans Open Grazing in Ibadanland, Vows to Prosecute Offenders
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has formally banned open cattle grazing across Ibadanland, describing the practice as illegal, unacceptable and a threat to peace and security.
The monarch made this known in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, following a meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the executive of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Ladoja expressed strong displeasure over the continued practice of open grazing despite existing laws prohibiting it in Oyo State.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also expressly prohibited in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole,” the Olubadan declared.
He warned cattle rearers to desist immediately from the practice, stressing that violators would face the full weight of the law.
“Any person caught disobeying the Oyo State law that forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law,” he said.
The paramount ruler also condemned the impact of herders’ activities on farming communities, stating that the palace would no longer tolerate insecurity, violence, or destruction of livelihoods.
“We will not fold our arms and watch herdsmen kill farmers, attack their children, assault their wives, and destroy their farms, which are their means of livelihood,” Oba Ladoja warned.
He further charged Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders to remain vigilant in their respective domains and ensure the safety of lives and property, cautioning that negligence could attract sanctions from the palace.
“Traditional leaders must keep watch in their communities and ensure adequate security of lives and property,” he added.
The Olubadan also urged residents of Ibadanland to promptly report the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers or other criminal elements to law enforcement agencies for swift action.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented what he described as rising attacks on farmers by herdsmen in the area.
“Our members are being attacked, our children endangered, our wives assaulted and our farmlands destroyed,” Olatunji said.
He noted that repeated attempts to secure protection for farmers had yielded little result.
“Despite several reports at police stations and other security posts, none of those destroying our farms has been arrested or prosecuted,” he stated.
Olatunji appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention.
“We are pleading for the support and protection of the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to rescue us from these destructive activities,” he added.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
