Osun State, on Wednesday, became the latest state to get the anti-open grazing law.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola signed the bill presented to him by the House of Assembly, with a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipida, saying moving livestock from one place to the other by foot was now outlawed.
Incidentally, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Edom Emmanuel, signed the bill for the same post on Wednesday.
Omipidan said in the statement:
“Mr Governor signed the anti-open grazing bill into law immediately the bill was transmitted from the House of Assembly to the office of his Excellency.
“We have notified the security agencies that will enforce the law in every part of the state, so, it is a crime to practise open grazing in Osun state.
“Osun State is one of the most peaceful states in the country; we have fewer challenges of herders invading people’s farsm to destroy the crop or attacking farmer because we had in place Committee on Peaceful Co-Existence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers led by Hon Mudasiru Toogun to foster peace between these communities.
“Before enacting this law, we have summoned stakeholders’ meetings to deliberate on the matter and we have enlightened the herders in the state on the benefit of embracing ranching system. We have made provisions for the practice of ranching through the ministry of agriculture.
“Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of Cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.
“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.
“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.”
