The Oyo state Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Monday, said the agency does not discriminate against Fulani herders through extortion, unlawful impoundment of livestock and abuse of power by officers.
OYRLEA in a statement by the chairperson of the authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), said the allegations are false, misleading and unfounded.
The agency pointed out that all its enforcement activities are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Oyo state Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde and that due process was followed in the case referenced during the broadcast.
OYRLEA recounted the impoundment of 16 cows during an enforcement operation carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Atowoda area of Ido local government area.
She noted that the 16 cows were impounded following complaints from farmers over the destruction of farmlands by herders engaged in open grazing.
Justice Aderemi (rtd) noted that the operation was initiated after receiving several petitions from affected farmers in Ido and surrounding communities, adding, “Investigations conducted by the authority confirmed cases of open grazing and extensive damage to crops, supported by what it described as irrefutable evidence.”
The authority noted that under Section 16(1) of the Oyo state Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, any person found guilty of violating the law is liable, upon conviction, to five years imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000.00(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for a first offence, while subsequent offences attract 10 years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2,000,000.00(Two million Naira).
She said: “The law also provides for adequate compensation to victims based on an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture”, and that the legal representative of the herders opted for an out-of-court settlement”.
“Following the assessment report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of N3,200, 000.00 (Three Million, two Hundred Thousand Naira) was paid as government fines, while N4,000,000 was paid as compensation to the affected farmer.” She said.
OYRLEA added, “All payments were made directly into designated government accounts by the legal representative of the herders, with official government receipts duly issued.
“No officer of the authority is authorised to receive cash payments or personal transfers under any circumstance.”
Reaffirming the authority’s commitment to enforcing the law fairly, transparently and without fear or favour, Justice Aderemi (rtd) said OYRLEA remains focused on promoting peace, protecting farmlands and ensuring environmental sustainability across Oyo state.