Abeokuta — The Ogun State Government has issued a fresh warning to cattle owners and herders, reminding them that the law prohibiting open grazing remains fully in force — and violators risk a minimum of three years in jail without the option of a fine.
The warning was contained in a statement released on Tuesday by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun. It follows rising reports of herders obstructing traffic and allowing their cattle to invade farmlands across the state.
Akinmade expressed concern over the blatant disregard for the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law, enacted in 2021 to curb recurring clashes between herders and farmers.
“The government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of farmlands, and destruction of crops,” he said. “This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer.”
The law prescribes a minimum jail term of three years — without an option of a fine — for anyone caught engaging in open grazing or rearing livestock outside government-approved ranches. It also allows for the forfeiture of the animals involved to the state.
While reiterating the government’s support for cattle owners operating within the boundaries of the law, Akinmade stressed that no individual has the right to disrupt public order or infringe on the rights of other citizens under the pretext of animal rearing.
“Open grazing of cattle or other animals remains prohibited in Ogun State,” he said. “Anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
The government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting modern and secure methods of animal husbandry to protect both lives and livelihoods across the state.
