Open Grazing Illegal in Ibadan, Says Olubadan, Warns of Arrests
By Mercy Omotosho
The Olubadan of Ibaland alone, His imperial majesty, Oba Radio Ladoja (Arise 1) has been open cattle grazing across Ibadanland, warning that anyone who violates the ban will be arrested and prosecuted in line with Oyo State law.
The monarch announced the directive on Monday after a meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and executives of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The position was conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade.
Oba Ladoja described open grazing as unlawful and unacceptable, stressing that the practice is expressly banned not only in Ibadanland but across Oyo State.
He said enforcement would be strict, adding that offenders would face legal consequences.
The paramount ruler expressed concern over recurring clashes between herdsmen and farming communities, lamenting reports of killings, assaults and destruction of farmlands.
He said the palace would no longer tolerate insecurity and lawlessness linked to such activities.
He also directed Mogajis, Baales and other traditional authorities in Ibadanland to intensify vigilance within their communities and ensure the safety of lives and property, warning that negligence on their part could attract sanctions from the palace.
The Olubadan further called on residents to promptly report the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers or other criminal elements to security agencies to aid law enforcement efforts.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, told the gathering that farmers in the area had continued to suffer attacks allegedly carried out by herdsmen.
He said farmlands had been destroyed, while women and children were exposed to danger.
Olatunji noted that repeated complaints to police stations and other security formations had not yielded results, as no arrests or prosecutions had followed.
He appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to intervene urgently to protect farmers and their livelihoods.
Several high-ranking traditional rulers attended the meeting, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Osi Balogun, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez; the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande and the Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
