The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law, warning that violators risk a minimum of three years in prison without the option of a fine.
The reminder came on Tuesday in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, amid growing concerns over herders disrupting traffic and encroaching on farmlands in different parts of the state.
According to Akinmade, the government is alarmed by the increasing number of traffic obstructions and crop destruction caused by those still practising open grazing—despite the clear provisions of the law enacted in 2021.
“The law banning open grazing and prescribing a three-year jail term for violators was passed to address incessant bloody encounters between herders and farmers,” Akinmade said.
“The state remains fully committed to modern cattle rearing and farming practices to guarantee the safety and security of the people.”
He further emphasized that the law was not passed in vain and will be “enforced to the letter” to protect both lives and livelihoods across Ogun communities.
“The Government of Ogun State has observed cases of obstruction of traffic, invasion of people’s farmlands and destruction of crops across the state. This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer,” he warned.
Clarifying the legal implications, Akinmade explained that the law mandates strict penalties for those who disregard the rules.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law prescribed a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine,” he said.
“This includes the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the State Government for anyone who rears, herds, or grazes any livestock in any part of the State except within the permitted ranches.”
