Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing the state’s anti-open grazing law through dialogue, justice and inclusive governance, assuring pastoralists and farmers alike that no group will be marginalised in the process.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority tagged “Navigating The Oyo State Anti Rearing And Grazing Law: Ensuring Adherence and Advancing sustainable livestock management” held in Ibadan.
The event brought together judicial officers, lawmakers, traditional leaders and representatives of pastoral communities including Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and other stakeholders.
Makinde said governance decisions must be guided by fairness and a deep sense of responsibility, noting that public policy has the power to shape, or destroy, the destinies of entire generations.
According to the governor, the anti-open grazing law was conceived to address long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders, not to criminalise any group or create fear.
He stressed that herders and pastoralists remain valued residents of the state and should have no reason to feel threatened, provided they operate within the law.
“You are vital to what we are doing as a government. Whatever decision we collectively arrive at, this administration has the political will to implement it. But it must be a solution that works for everyone,” Makinde said.
Drawing from personal and global examples, the governor warned against treating governance as a game, arguing that poorly thought-out decisions often have far-reaching and unintended consequences.
He said his administration had chosen problem-solving over political grandstanding, especially on sensitive issues such as local government administration and land use.
Makinde revisited his early position on scrapping Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, explaining that he later reconsidered after engaging with affected communities, including Fulani settlements where LCDAs provided a sense of representation and inclusion.
The decision, he said, reflected the administration’s belief that justice and stability sometimes require flexibility rather than rigid dogma.
On the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law, the governor acknowledged that challenges remain and invited stakeholders to openly identify grey areas in the legislation.
He assured that any provisions found to be outdated or problematic could be reviewed by the House of Assembly and amended accordingly.
“If there are clauses that no longer reflect our reality, bring them forward, the lawmakers are here. They will do what is right, and I will not hesitate to sign.”
Earlier, leadership of the Oyo State chapters of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore had called for stronger collaboration between the state government, security agencies and key stakeholders to ensure fairness and clarity in the implementation of the law.
Addressing journalists at the event, the associations expressed concern over what they described as the misuse of the anti-open grazing law by some government officials and enforcement agents, alleging indiscriminate arrest of herders and seizure of cattle without proper investigation.
Makinde appealed for patience and cooperation, insisting that there is enough opportunity and resources for all communities to thrive if they work together within the framework of the law.
He expressed optimism that a consensus-driven approach in Oyo State could become a model for resolving farmer-herder conflicts across Nigeria.
“Our diversity is not the problem,” the governor said. “How we manage it is what matters.”
Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Oyo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar, and the immediate past chairman, Alhaji Yakubu Bello, in their separate remarks, said while they support lawful regulation of grazing activities, poor communication and inconsistent enforcement were fuelling tension and mistrust.
They cited cases where herders operating within permitted arrangements were allegedly harassed, adding that such actions undermine the original intent of the law, which is to prevent conflict and promote modern livestock practices.
The leaders also lamented the recent death of an elderly woman in Saki, which they said was triggered by shock after learning that 37 of her cattle had been seized.
The associations called for clearer enforcement guidelines, improved sensitisation in languages understood by pastoral communities, and the creation of joint committees involving Fulani leaders, security agencies and government officials. They also urged the state to investigate reported abuses and strengthen oversight of enforcement officers.
Reaffirming their commitment to peace, the pastoral groups stressed that inclusive governance remains essential to achieving lasting harmony, food security and economic stability in the state.