The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has welcomed the recent directive by the leadership of Fulani communities in Southwest Nigeria banning night grazing, the bearing of firearms, and the use of underage herders.
The group described the move as a positive step towards restoring peace and security in the region and called for its immediate and uncompromised enforcement.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Jare Ajayi, Afenifere laued the Southwest Fulani Council for what it called “a bold and responsible step” and urged all relevant authorities, including security agencies and state governments, to ensure that the new regulations are upheld across the region.”We see this as a welcome development. This pronouncement must not be mere lip service but enforced to the letter,” the statement read.
It will be recalled that Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Bambado II, Chairman of the Council of Fulani Chiefs in the Southwest, made the announcement during a press conference in Lagos earlier in the week. Bambado, who is also the Sarki Fulani of Lagos, declared an absolute ban on night grazing, underage herding, and the carrying of firearms or any other dangerous weapons by herders.
He explained that the decision was part of efforts to curb rising insecurity and rekindle the historically peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and their host Yoruba communities.
”This is to restore sanity and peace in the sector,” Bambado stated, adding that the Council would launch sensitisation campaigns in Hausa, Yoruba, and English languages and collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers, and the DAWN Commission to ensure wide compliance.
Bambado further condemned banditry, kidnapping, farmland destruction, and herder-farmer conflicts, disassociating law-abiding Fulani communities from such acts. He called on security agencies, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, to identify and prosecute criminal elements regardless of ethnic affiliation.
In its reaction, Afenifere expressed hope that the proactive stance by Fulani leadership would now allow the anti-open grazing laws passed by several Southwest states to be implemented more effectively.
States including Lagos, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, and others have enacted laws banning open grazing, but enforcement has often been stalled due to resistance from some herder groups and political interests at the national level.
“With the Fulani leaders themselves acknowledging the dangers of open grazing, there should be no more excuses,” Afenifere stated.
The statement also referenced a pending bill in the National Assembly aimed at regulating cattle rearing and promoting ranching. Sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue North-West), the bill passed second reading on June 5, 2024, but has since stalled, largely due to opposition from powerful interests in the North.
The bill seeks to ban open grazing nationwide and promote ranching as the modern, safe, and profitable alternative, a direction that aligns with global best practices in animal husbandry.
Echoing the Senator’s position, Afenifere reiterated its long-standing belief that ranching is not only safer and more sustainable but also economically superior.
“Animals raised in ranches are healthier, more secure, and yield greater profit. It is high time livestock farmers embraced this model, just as those in poultry or fishery do,” Ajayi noted.
He called on the National Assembly to promptly pass the grazing regulation bill, state governments to enforce existing anti-open grazing laws without fear or favour, and herders to build enclosures and modernise their practice in line with current realities.
Afenifere praised the Fulani leadership’s “courageous and patriotic step” and urged them to ensure full compliance among their members.
“This is the kind of leadership that fosters peace, justice, and unity. We commend the Council and urge that this momentum be sustained through action, not just words,” Ajayi added.
