The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has declared that open cattle grazing is no longer acceptable anywhere in Ibadanland, stressing that the practice is illegal under existing Oyo State laws.
The monarch made this position known in a press release signed by a media aide to the palace, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga.
This follows a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and the executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday.
Oba Ladoja said the ban on open grazing is clearly provided for under the Oyo State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, which outlaws the movement of cattle on foot for grazing purposes across the state.
He emphasised that the law applies fully to Ibadanland and warned cattle rearers and their sponsors to desist from the practice immediately or face the full weight of the law.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited, not just in Ibadanland but across Oyo State,” the Olubadan declared, adding that violators would be arrested and prosecuted in line with the provisions of the law.
The paramount ruler also raised concerns about the security implications of open grazing, particularly the reported attacks on farming communities, stressing that the palace would not tolerate any form of violence or criminality linked to the practice.
“We will not fold our arms and watch farmers and their children being killed, women violated, and farms destroyed, which are the means of livelihood of our people,” he said.
Oba Ladoja directed Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders across Ibadanland to be vigilant within their respective domains and to work with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
He warned that any form of negligence in this regard could attract sanctions from the palace.
He also urged residents to promptly report the presence of suspected armed herdsmen, kidnappers or other criminal elements in their communities to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented what he described as persistent attacks on farm settlements, alleging that herdsmen had killed farmers and their children, assaulted women and destroyed farmlands and farm produce.
Pastor Olatunji said several attempts to secure protection for farmers had not yielded the desired results, noting that despite repeated reports to police stations and security posts, none of the alleged perpetrators had been arrested or prosecuted.
He appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the anti open grazing law and strengthening security around farming communities.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi; the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.