Ogun Gov’t Warns Violators, Vows To Enforce Anti-Open Grazing Law

Ogun State government on Tuesday, vowed that it will henceforth, commence enforcement of the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law of 2021, which prescribed a 3-year jail term for trespassers.

With particular reference to cases of traffic obstruction, as well as invasion of people’s farmlands and destruction of crops across this state, the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration stated that violation of the law will no longer be tolerated “a minute longer”, but be enforced “to the letters”.

Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, Kayode Akinmade stated these through a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Akinmade reminded the cattle owners and herders that the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law, 2021, signed into law by Governor Abiodun is still in force.

Emphasising that violators risk severe consequences, among which included a 3-year jail term without an option of fine in addition to a total confiscation of cattle, Akinmade decried the continued violation of the law by certain herders in the state.

He maintained that the state remained fully committed to modern cattle rearing and farming practices to guarantee the safety and security of the people.

“The Government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of people’s farmlands, and destruction of crops across this state.

“This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer.

“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/her control to the State Government for anyone who rears, herds, or grazes any livestock in any part of the State except within the permitted ranches, or anyone who rears cattle or livestock outside the permitted ranches after the commencement of the law.

“That is the law and it will continue to be enforced with vigour.”

The governor’s aide added that while cattle owners and herders are free to operate in any part of Ogun State in line with the provisions of the law, “no one has the right to impede the free flow of traffic, encroach on lands belonging to other people, or foment trouble of any kind under the guise of cattle grazing.”

“Open grazing of cattle or other animals remains prohibited in Ogun State; anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law,” he pledged.