#Herders-Farmers Clash: Governor Signs Anti-Grazing Bill Into Law In Southwest Nigeria

Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria has signed into law, the anti-grazing bill passed by the state’s House of Assembly on Tuesday Aug. 31. Donald Ojogo, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation disclosed this in a statement.

The signing of the bill into law followed the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum at its last meeting in Lagos on July 5, 2021 setting  deadlines for Governors in the region to ban open grazing.

Ojogo said the decision was also premised on the determination of the state governments to curb conflict arising from farmers and herders clashes.

“It is very pertinent to aver and indeed, reiterate that the law shall rather, engender a more cordial, mutually benefiting relationship amongst residents of the state irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target,” the Commissioner said.

Ondo State House of Assembly had passed the bill into law on July 2, as a bill to  regulate security, rearing grazing of livestock and establishment of ranches. 

The commissioners said the new move is aimed at stemming needless instances of  skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State.

“While it is the hope of the Government that all residents would take ample advantage of this Law to enhance our socio-economic well being in Ondo State, compliance of the same shall be given the utmost attention,” Ojogo said.

“Government shall pursue with vigour, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance.” 

The newly signed bill will establish ranches across the state, prevent the destruction of farm crops and address clashes between herders and farmers in the state, Taofeek Oladele, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture had stated while presenting the report on the grazing bill.

“It will also  enhance the growth of livestock farming and as well encourage modern techniques of animal husbandry in the state among others,”  Oladele had said.

The approval of the new law comes on the heels of President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of grazing routes across the country to stem  transhumance migration.