Oyo State: Anti-Open Grazing Law Enforcement Impounds 10 Cows

• The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) impounded 10 cows in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan.
• The action followed a petition from residents complaining about illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance.
• OYRLEA's team verified the complaints, confirming cattle rearing in a residential area and evidence of open grazing.
• The impoundment was carried out in contravention of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
• OYRLEA stated the enforcement aims to ensure compliance and protect residents from associated environmental, health, and public safety risks.

The authority clarified that its enforcement efforts are not aimed at legitimate livestock owners, but rather to ensure adherence to the law and safeguard residents from environmental, health, and public safety risks associated with unregulated open rearing and grazing.

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) recently carried out an enforcement operation, resulting in the impoundment of ten cows in the Arola area of Apete, Ibadan. This action was taken in response to alleged illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance. Honourable Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd.), who chairs OYRLEA, confirmed the operation in a statement issued on a Tuesday.

The enforcement drive was initiated following a petition from local residents, who had raised concerns about cattle rearing within their densely populated neighborhood. Their complaints detailed a range of issues, including the indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, excessive noise, air pollution, and the practice of open grazing in the area. The authority collaborated with security operatives to conduct the operation.

In the early hours of the Tuesday, OYRLEA's enforcement team, accompanied by security personnel, visited the Arola area to verify the complaints lodged by residents. Upon investigation, the team found the allegations to be substantiated, confirming the presence of cattle being reared in a residential environment and establishing clear evidence of open grazing. These activities were determined to be in direct contravention of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.

During the initial phase of the operation, eight cows were impounded directly at the location where the violations were observed. Subsequently, as the enforcement team was returning from the area, they sighted two additional cows tied down and openly grazing along their route. These two animals were also seized, bringing the total number of impounded cattle to ten.

OYRLEA emphasized that its enforcement actions are not directed against legitimate livestock owners. Instead, the authority clarified that its efforts are primarily aimed at ensuring adherence to the law and safeguarding residents from environmental, health, and public safety risks associated with unregulated open rearing and grazing. This stance underscores the government's commitment to maintaining order and protecting its citizens.

The authority reiterated its firm commitment to the consistent enforcement of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting violations, with OYRLEA assuring that all credible complaints will receive prompt attention. The 2019 law was enacted by the Oyo State Government as a measure to regulate livestock production, thereby curbing conflicts and addressing various challenges historically linked to open grazing. This recent enforcement operation is part of broader, ongoing efforts by state authorities to regulate livestock movement and prevent cattle from roaming freely in residential and other prohibited areas.

Lawyers advising clients involved in livestock rearing in Oyo State must inform them of the strict enforcement of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, and the risk of cattle impoundment. This development underscores the need for clients to ensure compliance with land-use and environmental regulations to avoid penalties and legal action.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Newspaper