The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), has issued a strong warning against open cattle grazing across Ibadanland, describing the practice as illegal and prohibited under Oyo State law.
The monarch’s position was made known in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, following a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and the executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday.
Oba Ladoja stressed that open cattle grazing is not only unlawful in Ibadanland but across the entire Oyo State, warning cattle rearers to desist immediately or face legal consequences.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited, not just in Ibadanland but in Oyo State in general,” the Olubadan declared. He cautioned that anyone caught violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The paramount ruler further decried the security challenges allegedly associated with open grazing, stating that the palace would not tolerate attacks on farming communities.
“We will not fold our arms and watch Fulani herdsmen killing farmers, their children, raping their wives and destroying their farms, which are their means of livelihood,” Oba Ladoja said.
In addition, the Olubadan directed Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders to be vigilant within their domains and ensure adequate security of lives and property, warning that negligence could attract sanctions from the palace.
He also urged residents of Ibadan to promptly report the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers and other criminal elements in their communities to law enforcement agencies.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented the increasing attacks on farm settlers, alleging that herdsmen had killed farmers and their children, raped women, and destroyed farmlands and produce.
Pastor Olatunji said repeated efforts to secure protection for their farms had yielded no results, adding that despite multiple reports to police stations and security posts, none of the alleged perpetrators had been arrested or prosecuted.
He appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to intervene and provide adequate protection for farmers against what he described as continuous destruction and insecurity.
Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
