- The Olubadan had declared open cattle grazing illegal in Ibadanland and warned herders to desist or face prosecution
- He had directed traditional leaders to be vigilant and ensure the protection of lives and property in their communities
- Farmers had raised concerns over attacks, farm destruction and insecurity allegedly linked to herdsmen activities
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasidi Ladoja (Aruse I), has expressed strong displeasure over the continued practice of open cattle grazing within Ibadanland, describing it as illegal, unacceptable and a direct threat to peace and security across the ancient city.
The monarch’s position was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, shortly after a meeting held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan. The meeting was attended by members of the Olubadan-in-Council as well as executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Ladoja made it clear that open cattle grazing contravenes existing laws in Oyo State and would no longer be tolerated in Ibadanland. He warned cattle rearers to desist immediately from the practice, stressing that violators would face the full weight of the law.
“Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general,” the Olubadan declared. “Any person caught disobeying the Oyo State law that forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law.”
The paramount ruler expressed grave concern over the activities of some herdsmen, which he said had resulted in rising insecurity, destruction of farmlands and loss of livelihoods among farming communities. He insisted that the palace would no longer tolerate acts of lawlessness that put the lives of residents at risk.
“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,” Oba Ladoja said.
The Olubadan further charged Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders across the city to remain vigilant within their respective domains and to take responsibility for ensuring the protection of lives and property. He warned that negligence or failure to act decisively in safeguarding their communities could attract sanctions from the palace.
“Traditional leaders must keep watch in their communities and ensure adequate security of lives and property,” the monarch stated.
He also urged residents of Ibadanland to cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers or other criminal elements to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Earlier in the meeting, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented what he described as increasing attacks on farmers by herdsmen in the area. He said members of the association had suffered repeated assaults, destruction of farmlands and threats to their families.
“Our members are being attacked, our children endangered, our wives assaulted and our farmlands destroyed,” Olatunji said.
He added that despite several reports to police stations and other security posts, those allegedly responsible for destroying farmlands had not been arrested or prosecuted. Olatunji therefore appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention to protect farmers and restore peace.
The meeting was attended by several prominent traditional rulers, including the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr.) Tajudeen Ajibola; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and other high-ranking chiefs within the Olubadan-in-Council.
The renewed stance by the Olubadan is expected to intensify enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law and reinforce traditional authority in addressing security challenges in Ibadanland.