Ogun govt: Open grazing offenders face up to three years in jail, cattle seizure
Ogun govt: Open grazing offenders face up to three years in jail, cattle seizure
The Ogun State Government has reiterated that herders involved in open grazing face up to three years in prison and the seizure of their cattle, as outlined in the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law of 2020.
Governor Dapo Abiodun signed the bill into law in 2021.
In a statement issued by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Governor, the government expressed concern over the continued breach of the law by some herders. It warned that violators would face the full force of the law.
Akinmade explained that the law, which prohibits open grazing and mandates a three-year jail term for offenders, was enacted to curb recurring violent clashes between herders and farmers. He emphasized the state’s commitment to modern, secure, and sustainable cattle rearing and farming methods.
“The Ogun State Government has noted incidents involving traffic disruptions, encroachment on private farmlands, and the destruction of crops across the state,” he stated.
“This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer.
“To be clear, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law stipulates a minimum prison sentence of three years—with no option of a fine—for anyone found rearing, herding, or grazing livestock outside designated ranches in any part of Ogun State,” the statement read. “In addition, such livestock will be confiscated and forfeited to the State Government.”
“This is the law, and it will be enforced rigorously,” it added.
The government emphasized that while cattle owners and herders are welcome to operate anywhere within the state, they must do so in strict compliance with the law. “No individual has the right to obstruct traffic, trespass on other people’s land, or cause unrest under the pretense of grazing livestock,” the statement warned.
“Open grazing of cattle and other animals remains banned in Ogun State. Anyone caught violating this law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”
