Oyo warns traders over roadside ram, cow sales before Eid al-kabir

Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, the Oyo State Government has warned residents and livestock traders against displaying cows and rams for sale on major roads across the state’s 33 local government areas.

The warning was issued during a stakeholders’ summit on compliance with the state’s 2019 Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law held in Ibadan.

Authorities clarified that enforcement of the anti-open grazing law is not targeted at any ethnic group, stressing that approved markets already exist across the state for livestock trading.

“The implementation of the 2019 Anti Open Rearing and Grazing Law is neither aimed at intimidating nor oppressing a particular ethnic group in the state. There are designated markets for such business activity in all the local governments in the state.”

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed on strict compliance with the law, citing its economic and public health benefits, while also calling for stronger awareness campaigns and collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.

Chairperson of the agency, Justice Aderonke Aderemi, said compliance remains the real challenge beyond merely having laws in place.

“Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law was enacted to address the farmer-herder conflicts, destruction of farmlands, threats to public safety, and disruptions to livelihoods.

“The law provides a legal framework designed to ensure order, protect investments, and promote peaceful coexistence.”

She warned that violators would face sanctions, including confiscation of animals and payment of fines.

“There are designated market for such business activity in all the local government areas of the state. However, any traders caught violating the directive will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law. The affected rams will be confisticated while the owners will be made to pay fines that are related to the offence(s) committed.”

Aderemi also urged traders not to convert major roads into livestock markets during the festive period.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Musbau Babatunde, urged stakeholders to focus on proper enforcement of the law, while Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, encouraged residents to obey the law as a solution to recurring farmer-herder clashes.

Represented by Dr. Bukola Akinloye, the commissioner advised farmers to embrace ranching, noting that livestock business should not disrupt other activities in the state.

The summit drew attendance from traditional rulers, security agencies, farmers, herders, and other key stakeholders.