The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has prohibited open cattle grazing throughout Ibadanland, declaring the practice illegal and punishable under Oyo State law.
The directive was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, following a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday.
Oba Ladoja emphasized that open grazing is not only unlawful in Ibadanland but across Oyo State, warning herders to desist immediately or risk arrest and prosecution.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited, not just in Ibadanland but in Oyo State in general,” the monarch stated, stressing that violators would face the full weight of the law.
The paramount ruler also expressed concern over the security threats allegedly linked to open grazing, noting that the palace would not tolerate attacks on farming communities.
“We will not fold our arms and watch Fulani herdsmen killing farmers, their children, raping their wives, and destroying their farms, which are their means of livelihood,” he said.
Oba Ladoja further directed Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional title holders across Ibadanland to remain vigilant in their domains and ensure the safety of lives and property, warning that negligence could attract sanctions from the palace.
Residents were equally urged to promptly report the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers, and other criminal elements to relevant security agencies.
Earlier, Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented the rising attacks on farm settlers, alleging that herdsmen had killed farmers and their children, raped women, and destroyed farmlands and produce.
He noted that repeated efforts to secure protection had yielded little result, adding that despite several reports to police stations and security posts, none of the alleged perpetrators had been arrested or prosecuted.
Olatunji appealed to both the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to urgently intervene and provide adequate security for farmers against what he described as persistent insecurity and destruction.
Several dignitaries attended the meeting, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Ade
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