Ogun Government Warns Herders: Open Grazing Now Attracts 3-Year Jail Term, Forfeiture of Cattle

The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to cattle owners and herders against engaging in open grazing, declaring that violators risk a three-year jail term without the option of a fine, alongside forfeiture of their livestock.

The warning was contained in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Akinmade expressed concern over the increasing incidents of open grazing across the state, noting that such activities often result in traffic obstructions, invasion of farmlands, and destruction of crops in rural communities.

He emphasised that the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law 2020, signed into law in 2021, remains in force and will be enforced without compromise.

“This is a violation of existing law and will not be tolerated a minute longer,” the statement read.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law prescribes a jail term of not less than three years without the option of fine. It also includes the forfeiture of herds of cattle or livestock under the control of any individual who engages in open grazing outside the permitted ranches.”

The law was introduced to address frequent violent clashes between herders and farmers, which had led to loss of lives and destruction of property in the past.

Akinmade further stated that while herders are welcome to operate in any part of the state, they must do so within the confines of the law.

“No one has the right to impede traffic, encroach on farmlands, or cause unrest under the guise of grazing,” he said.

“Open grazing of cattle or other animals remains prohibited in Ogun State, and anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law,” the statement concluded.