Oyo State Government has stated that its Anti-Open Grazing Law is still in force. The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, announced this during an inter-ministerial press briefing held yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital.

Olaleye said more than 58 cows had been arrested in the last two years, while many erring herdsmen were charged in court for violating the law. Recall that the State House of Assembly had, in 2019, passed the Anti-Open Grazing Bill, which was later signed into law by the State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The commissioner warned that anyone found guilty of violating the law would be dealt with. He stated that the state Government had constructed a security post at Ijaye Farm Settlement to strengthen security.

He said: “Oyo is the safest for farmers. We have enough arable farmland. We have the highest number of Amotekun personnel. The state is now safe for farmers who have the intention to go into commercial farming.

“More than 58 cows have been arrested in the last two years. We have imposed fines on many herdsmen for violating the law. We have charged some herdsmen to court.

“The anti-open grazing law is still in force. We have constructed a security post at Ijaye Farm Settlement. So, no farmer has left the Ijaye Farm Settlement.”

Olaleye stated that the policies of Governor Makinde towards improving the agriculture sector had worked well in bringing about necessary reforms and innovations in agricultural practice in the state.

He noted that through the veterinary services, rural development, extension services, capacity building and infrastructure development programmes carried out by the Ministry, the state has emerged as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.