‘Anti-open grazing law not targeted at anyone’

Akeredolu appoints Deji of Akure as council of obas chairman
Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect residents of the state at any cost, saying that the anti-open grazing policy is not targeted at anyone.

He said although the recent grazing prohibition law in the state was not pleasing to some people, he would stand by it and ensure that farmers are saved from losing their crops as a result of the outdated open grazing practice.

Akeredolu stated this in his office, yesterday, while receiving the pastorate of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry led by the State Overseer, Pastor Jacob Asubiojo.

He said members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in the state must be ready to co-operate with his administration on the open-grazing ban.

The governor also said that the state government would partner with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to train herders on feedlot.

Asubiojo, who had earlier commended the governor on his efforts to keep Ondo State as one of the leading states in the country, said: “I want to specially commend the effort of the governor in the area of security. As far as I am concerned, in this our South-West, I can say Ondo State is number one. You are doing a lot. I also want to commend you on the development strides in the state. This is highly commendable.”

MEANWHILE, Akeredolu has approved the appointment of Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, as the Chairman of Ondo State Council of Obas.

A statement made available to journalists in Akure, yesterday, by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Richard Olatunde, states: “The tenure of the new chairman starts today, September 14, 2021.”

Oba Aladelusi’s appointment followed the expiration of the two-year single tenure of the immediate past Chairman of the Council, Oba (Dr.) Fredrick Akinruntan, the Olugbo of Ugbo.

The governor urged the new chairman to improve on the record of his predecessor by working in harmony with other obas and the government in ensuring the development of the state.