Ogun state government reaffirms ban on open grazing, Warns violators of strict enforcement

The Ogun State government on Tuesday issued a strong warning to cattle owners and herders operating within its borders, reiterating that the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Bill 2020, which was signed into law in 2021, is still actively in place.

The government emphasized that violators of this law will face severe consequences.

According to a statement released by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, this warning comes against the backdrop of persistent cases of traffic obstruction caused by cattle herders engaging in open grazing across the state.

Akinmade decried the continued disregard for the law by certain herders, asserting that the state would not hesitate to enforce its provisions to the letter.

He highlighted that the law, which bans open grazing and prescribes a three-year jail term for violators, was enacted specifically to address the incessant bloody encounters between herders and farmers.

He further affirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to promoting modern cattle rearing and farming practices to guarantee the safety and security of its citizens.

“The government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of people’s farmlands, and destruction of crops across this state,” Akinmade stated.

“This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer.”

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For clarity, Akinmade detailed the penalties enshrined in the law: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law prescribed a jail term of not less than three years without the option of a fine, including the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the State Government for anyone who rears, herds, or grazes any livestock in any part of the State except within the permitted ranches or anyone who rears cattle or livestock outside the permitted ranches after the commencement of the law.”

He concluded by stressing the government’s resolve: “That is the law, and it will continue to be enforced with vigour.”

While acknowledging the freedom of cattle owners and herders to operate in Ogun State in line with legal provisions, Akinmade firmly stated that “no one has the right to impede the free flow of traffic, encroach on lands belonging to other people, or foment trouble of any kind under the guise of cattle grazing.”

The Special Adviser unequivocally reiterated: “Open grazing of cattle or other animals remains prohibited in Ogun State; anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.”