IBADAN – The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) convened a strategic roundtable on Thursday to harmonize agreements regarding the state’s Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, signaling a renewed push for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
The meeting, held at the Local Government Service Commission Training Centre in Ibadan, served as a follow-up to the recent Stakeholders’ Summit.
It brought together government officials, agricultural unions, and livestock associations to address recurring clashes, farmland destruction, and security concerns.
In her keynote address, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), emphasized that the engagement was vital for strengthening compliance and promoting sustainable livestock management.
She underscored that the grazing regulation law is binding on all parties and applies to both government farm settlements and individual farmlands.
“Peaceful coexistence among stakeholders remains critical to sustaining development and stability across communities in the state,” Justice Aderemi stated.
She reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to protecting the interests of all residents while upholding the rule of law.
Justice Aderemi issued a specific directive to herders currently occupying government lands, urging them to vacate those areas and apply to the Ministry of Agriculture for formal land allocation and ranching arrangements.
Additionally, she warned traders against the unauthorized sale of livestock along roadsides during the upcoming Ileya celebrations, noting that violators would face legal consequences.
The roundtable yielded a breakthrough in local dispute resolution, with representatives from both sides—including Alh. Muhammed Kabir Labar and Alh. Abubakar Jijji Ibrahim for the herders, and Pa David Olatunji and Alh. Abdulrazak Duduyemi for the farmers—announcing the establishment of a joint committee to mediate conflicts. The stakeholders pledged to hold periodic meetings and report progress directly to OYRLEA.
The event featured goodwill messages from high-ranking officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, and the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, both of whom were represented by their respective Permanent Secretaries.
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Engr. Dr. Ademola Aderinto, and the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (Rtd.).
Other notable attendees included the Executive Adviser to the Governor on the Rule of Law, CP Sonubi Olufemi Ayodele (Rtd.), and leadership from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), the Oyo State Farm Settlers Association (OSFASA), and various crop grower and livestock dealer alliances.
