The Ogun State Government has warned that anyone caught engaging in open grazing within the state risks a minimum of three years imprisonment and confiscation of their cattle or livestock, stressing that the ban on open grazing remains in full effect.
This warning was issued in a statement on Tuesday by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He noted that the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law, passed in 2020 and signed by the Governor in 2021, is still enforceable and aimed at curbing clashes between herders and farmers.
Akinmade expressed concern over the continued disregard for the law, saying the government had observed rising incidents of herders obstructing traffic, encroaching on private farmlands and destroying crops in different parts of the state.
“The Government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of people’s farmlands and destruction of crops across this state,” he said. “This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer.”
He maintained that anyone caught grazing cattle outside approved ranches would face the consequences without exception. “For the avoidance of doubt, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law prescribes a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine, including the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government,” Akinmade stated.
While noting that herders are free to operate in Ogun State, he stressed that this must be done strictly within the boundaries of the law. “No one has the right to impede traffic, encroach on others’ lands or cause unrest under the guise of grazing,” he added.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to encouraging modern and regulated methods of animal husbandry for the safety and security of residents, warning that enforcement of the anti-grazing law would continue with full force.
