The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has brought together farmers, herders and other stakeholders in Ibadan to strengthen peaceful coexistence and improve compliance with the state’s Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law.
The roundtable meeting, held on Thursday at the Local Government Service Commission Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, focused on finding lasting solutions to recurring clashes between farmers and herders. Participants also discussed sustainable livestock management and ways to protect livelihoods across communities in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, OYRLEA Chairperson, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), said the engagement became necessary to deepen dialogue, encourage mutual understanding and ensure adherence to the grazing regulation law. She noted that issues such as destruction of farmlands, insecurity and disruption of economic activities had continued to threaten peaceful relations among residents.
Justice Aderemi explained that the law applies to both farmers and herders, including individuals operating outside designated farm settlements. She urged stakeholders to cooperate with the government and embrace lawful means of resolving disputes, adding that Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to sustaining peace and stability across Oyo State.
The OYRLEA chairperson also appealed to herders occupying government lands to vacate such places and seek proper land allocation through the Ministry of Agriculture for ranching purposes. She further warned traders against displaying rams, goats, sheep and chickens along roadsides during the forthcoming Ileya celebration, stressing that violators would face sanctions.
Representatives of farmers and herders at the meeting expressed readiness to comply with the law and maintain peaceful relationships. The stakeholders agreed to establish a committee to address disputes, hold regular meetings and forward resolutions to the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority for proper monitoring and implementation.