Olubadan Warns Against Open Cattle Grazing In Ibadan, Vows To Punish Violators

Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has condemned open grazing in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling it “illegal, prohibited, and unacceptable.”

Olugbemiga Ayoade, the monarch’s chief press secretary, said in a statement that Ladoja made the remarks on Monday after meeting with the traditional council and the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association.

The Olubadan warned herders to stop open grazing immediately, adding that anyone caught violating Oyo State law would face arrest and prosecution.

“Any person caught disobeying the Oyo state law that forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law,” the monarch was quoted as saying.

“We will not fold our arms and watch herdsmen kill farmers, attack their children, assault their wives, and destroy their farms, which are their means of livelihood.”

He also urged traditional leaders to remain vigilant in their communities and protect lives and property, warning that failure to do so could lead to palace sanctions.

David Olatunji, the chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, said their members have suffered repeated attacks from herders.

“Our members are being attacked, our children endangered, our wives assaulted, and our farmlands destroyed,” he said.

Olatunji called on the Olubadan and the state government to intervene and stop the attacks.

KanyiDaily recalls that Open grazing was banned across the south-west in 2021 after rising conflicts between herders and local communities.