The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasidi Ladoja Arusa 1, has expressed strong displeasure over the continued practice of open cattle grazing in the ancient city of Ibadan, describing it as illegal and unacceptable.
Oba Ladoja stated this in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Solomon Ayoade, after a meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the executives of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo area of Ibadan.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman, Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, declared that open grazing is illegal and has been prohibited in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
Oba Ladoja, who decried the impact of the activities of some herdsmen on farming communities, warned cattle rearers to immediately desist from the act, stressing that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The first class monarch maintained that the palace would no longer tolerate insecurity and lawlessness, charging Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders to be vigilant in their respective domains and ensure adequate security of lives and property, threatening strict sanction from the palace for failure to do so.
“We will not fold our arms and watch herdsmen kill farmers, attack their children, assault their wives, and destroy their farms, which are their means of livelihood.
Traditional leaders must keep watch in their communities and ensure adequate security of lives and property,” he stressed.
He further urged residents of Ibadanland to always report the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers or other criminal elements to law enforcement agencies for prompt necessary actions.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented the rising attacks on farmers by herdsmen in their localities.
