The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has vowed to take legal action against any herder caught engaging in open cattle grazing within his domain, describing the practice as illegal and harmful to farmers and the environment.
The monarch issued the warning during a meeting with the executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga.
Oba Ladoja expressed strong displeasure over the continued practice of open grazing, noting that it poses serious environmental risks and negatively affects farming activities across Ibadanland.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general,” the Olubadan said.
He warned cattle rearers to desist from the practice, stressing that anyone found violating the state’s anti–open grazing law would be arrested and prosecuted.
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“We will not fold our arms and watch herders killing farmers, their children, raping their wives and destroying their farms, which are their means of livelihood,” the monarch stated.
The Olubadan also charged Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders to be vigilant in their respective domains and ensure adequate security of lives and property, warning that failure to do so could attract sanctions from the palace.
He further urged residents of Ibadan to promptly alert law enforcement agencies whenever they notice the presence of herders, kidnappers or other suspected criminals in their communities.
Earlier, the chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented the increasing attacks on farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen, including killings, destruction of farmlands and produce, and sexual violence against women.
Olatunji said repeated efforts to protect their farms had proved futile, alleging that none of the perpetrators had been arrested or prosecuted despite several reports to the police and other security agencies.
He appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to intervene and provide protection for farmers against what he described as persistent destruction by herders.