The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, has strongly condemned the continued practice of open cattle grazing within Ibadanland, describing it as illegal, dangerous, and unacceptable.
In a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the monarch made the declaration after a crucial meeting at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association.
Oba Ladoja stressed that open grazing is prohibited across Oyo State under the Anti-Open Grazing Law of 2019, which was enacted to curb clashes between herders and farmers. He warned cattle rearers to desist immediately or face arrest and prosecution.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also expressly forbidden in Ibadanland and Oyo State at large. Anyone found flouting the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he declared.
The monarch lamented persistent insecurity linked to open grazing, including killings, rape, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen.
“We will not fold our arms while farmers are being killed, their children murdered, their wives raped, and their farms destroyed—the very source of their livelihood,” he said.
He charged Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional leaders to remain vigilant and ensure community security, warning that failure to uphold peace could attract palace sanctions.
Farmers’ Plight
Pastor David Olatunji, Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, recounted harrowing experiences of farmers being attacked, women raped, and farmlands destroyed.
He lamented the lack of arrests despite repeated reports to police and appealed for urgent intervention.
Open grazing has been a flashpoint across Nigeria. In 2021, southern governors collectively banned the practice, citing rising insecurity. States like Benue, Ekiti, and Oyo passed laws to enforce ranching systems.
Despite this, enforcement has been weak, with herder-farmer clashes contributing to thousands of deaths.
According to Amnesty International, over 3,600 people were killed in farmer-herder violence between 2016 and 2018.
The UN has also warned that unchecked clashes threaten food security and stability in Nigeria’s southwest.
The meeting was attended by senior chiefs including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
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