The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasidi Ladoja (Aruse I), has expressed strong displeasure over the continued practice of open cattle grazing in Ibadanland, describing it as illegal and unacceptable.
The monarch’s position was made known in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Ayoade, shortly after a meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday.
Speaking at the meeting, Oba Ladoja said: “Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.”
The paramount ruler warned cattle rearers to desist immediately from open grazing, stressing that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted.
“Any person caught disobeying the Oyo State law that forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law,” the Olubadan declared.
The monarch further decried the impact of the activities of some herdsmen on farming communities, insisting that the palace would no longer tolerate insecurity and lawlessness.
“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,” he stressed.
Oba Ladoja also charged Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders to remain vigilant in their respective domains and ensure the protection of lives and property, warning that failure to do so could attract sanctions from the palace.
“Traditional leaders must keep watch in their communities and ensure adequate security of lives and property,” he said.
He further urged residents of Ibadanland to promptly report the presence of suspected herdsmen, kidnappers or other criminal elements to law enforcement agencies.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented what he described as the rising attacks on farmers by herdsmen in the area.
“Our members are being attacked, our children endangered, our wives assaulted and our farmlands destroyed,” Olatunji said.
He added that repeated efforts to secure protection for the farmers had yielded little result.
“Despite several reports at police stations and other security posts, none of those destroying our farms has been arrested or prosecuted,” he noted.
Olatunji appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government for urgent intervention.
“We are pleading for the support and protection of the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to rescue us from these destructive activities,” he added.
Dignitaries at the meeting included 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; the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azeez; the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.