By The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has intensified its enforcement against illegal open grazing in Oyo State, arresting a livestock rearer and impounding cattle in separate operations across the city.
In one of the operations carried out on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, officials of the Authority stormed Alafara Olubadan in Oje following multiple complaints from residents over environmental and safety concerns linked to open grazing.
Investigations by the Authority revealed that a resident, Akeem Akintande, had been rearing cows within a densely populated neighbourhood located near a school, mosque, and health centre, an act described as hazardous to public health and safety.
Residents had also reported that some of the cows previously strayed onto the road while grazing, causing a vehicular accident and posing risks to road users.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Akinbode, said the enforcement became necessary to uphold the law and protect residents.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” she said, noting that the Authority had conducted several public awareness campaigns across different media platforms to sensitise citizens on the ban on open grazing in residential areas.
During the operation, officials discovered 11 cows at the location, out of which three were impounded, while the livestock rearer was arrested and arraigned before a competent court for prosecution.
In a related operation, OYRLEA also impounded nine cattle at Ijaiye Farm Settlement in Akinyele Local Government Area on Friday, March 13, 2026, as part of efforts to curb open grazing in key agricultural zones.
The farm settlement, known for its significant contribution to food production in the state, has faced recurring challenges from herders whose cattle often graze freely on cultivated lands.
Commenting on the operation, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), described the enforcement as a major step towards protecting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
“This operation marks a major victory for the farmers at Ijaiye, who can now breathe a sigh of relief as their lands are being safeguarded from the menace of open grazing,” she said.
She added that the enforcement exercise represents significant progress compared to previous operations in the area and assured that similar actions would continue.
The joint operation involved personnel from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Oyo State Environmental Task Force, Amotekun Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force.
The impounded cattle have been moved to the state kraal at the Secretariat, while owners have been directed to report within seven days for identification and payment of fines or face further legal action.
OYRLEA reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on open grazing and ensuring a safe and conducive environment for residents and farmers across Oyo State.
