Abeokuta North Begins Enforcement of Livestock Grazing Bye-Law August 1, Holds Stakeholders’ Meeting on Peaceful Implementation
The Abeokuta North Local Government has concluded arrangements for the implementation of its Livestock Grazing Regulation Bye-Law, with enforcement scheduled to commence on August 1, 2026, as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, safeguard farmlands, enhance public safety and encourage sustainable livestock management across the Council Area.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Dr. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, during a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting held at the Hon. Abeeb Ajayi Multipurpose Hall within the Council Secretariat, Akomoje, Abeokuta.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Security Agencies, Community Leaders, Farmers, Fulani and Hausa representatives, members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Religious Leaders, Community Development Associations and other critical stakeholders to discuss the implementation framework and secure broad-based support for the new Legislation.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo explained that the bye-law had completed all legislative procedures and had become a valid law of the Local Government, stressing that its implementation was designed to curb the challenges associated with uncontrolled open grazing while fostering lasting peace among residents.
According to him, the legislation is intended to reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders, improve security, protect agricultural investments and create an environment where people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds can coexist peacefully.
The Council Chairman also announced that all livestock owners and herders operating within Abeokuta North would be required to register with the local government for proper identification.
He noted that the registration exercise would assist security Agencies in monitoring livestock activities, improve accountability within the sector and provide the necessary database for the planned establishment of ranches in the Council Area.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo urged all stakeholders to embrace the new policy, describing dialogue and cooperation as essential to the successful implementation of the law.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Hon. Hassan, described conflicts between farmers and herders as a National challenge requiring sustainable solutions.
He observed that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to modern livestock management and the gradual elimination of open grazing through structured policies.
Representing the Fulani community, the Seriki Hausa/Fulani, Mr. Ibraheem Hassan Hassan, pledged the support of herders for the implementation of the bye-law.
He stated that many Fulani families had lived peacefully in Abeokuta North for decades and assured the gathering that Community leaders would work closely with the Local Government to identify criminal elements while encouraging genuine herders to participate fully in the registration process.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Baales in Abeokuta North, High Chief Jelili Oyejide, described the regulation as a timely intervention capable of addressing recurring disputes between farmers and herders.
He assured the council of the full cooperation of traditional leaders in ensuring the success of the policy.
The representative of farmers, Mr. Asiwaju Jelili, welcomed the development, recalling repeated cases of destruction of farmlands by roaming cattle.
He expressed confidence that effective enforcement of the bye-law would provide greater protection for farmers, their investments and food production activities within the Local Government.
Similarly, the Chairman of Community Development Committees (CDCs) in Abeokuta North, Chief Ahmed Olawale, disclosed that Community Development Associations in Oke-Odo and Sabo had jointly resolved to prohibit cattle rearing within their communities and would support the objectives of the new legislation.
The Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abeokuta North, High Chief Chinedu Nwachor, commended the Local Government for taking proactive steps to strengthen peace and security.
He appealed to residents and herders to cooperate with Government authorities and comply fully with the provisions of the law.
Security agencies equally pledged their commitment to enforcing the legislation.
The Divisional Police Officer of Olorunda Division, CSP Owei W. Sweet, disclosed that the Police participated actively during the legislative process and would continue collaborating with traditional institutions and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.
He also revealed that a joint task force had been established to maintain peace, prevent conflict and protect lives and property throughout the implementation period.
Traditional rulers who attended the meeting unanimously endorsed the initiative.
The Olu of Olorunda, Oba Joshua Olusegun Philips Ogunsola, described the regulation as both necessary and timely, urging all stakeholders to support its implementation.
Similarly, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola, represented by Chief Abiodun Lasile, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, called on herders to educate their members on the provisions of the bye-law to ensure full compliance.
The Olu of Ilawo, Oba Alexsanda Olusegun Magrigor, commended Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo for his leadership and encouraged residents to support the administration’s efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Abeokuta North.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the formal presentation of the Livestock Grazing Regulation Bye-Law to stakeholders by the Leader of the Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Ajani Erubami.
Erubami explained that the legislation was enacted after due legislative consideration and was intended to serve the collective interest of residents by promoting peace, protecting lives and property and advancing sustainable development across the Local Government.
In his vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Taiyelolu Egbeyemi, appreciated all participants for their valuable contributions and commitment to the peaceful implementation of the law.
Among dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Local Government, Engr. (Mrs.) Mutiat Agbaje; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Sanitarian Olajumoke Ayoade; Dr. Princess Ojanronke Taiwo Ogunremi; members of the Legislative Council; Supervisors; Special Advisers; the Divisional Police Officer of Lafenwa Division, CSP Kenneth Iyayi; traditional rulers; Baales; community leaders; religious leaders; representatives of farmers, herders and Miyetti Allah, alongside other security agencies.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo said the implementation of the Livestock Grazing Regulation Bye-Law marks another significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to strengthen security, protect agricultural activities, preserve communal harmony and promote sustainable livestock management throughout Abeokuta North Local Government.
