Makinde Reassures Farmers and Herders of Equal Rights in Oyo State

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to fostering a climate of peace and mutual respect between farmers and herders within the state. Speaking on Monday at a stakeholders' summit organized by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), the Governor declared that Oyo State belongs to every resident, regardless of their ethnic background or religious beliefs. He emphasized that as a federating unit of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the state is home to all citizens, and his government will continue to ensure that no group is marginalized or targeted based on their identity. This assurance comes as part of broader efforts to find lasting solutions to the recurring conflicts that have historically plagued the agricultural sector.

The summit, themed “Navigating the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law: Ensuring Adherence and Advancing Sustainable Livestock Management,” provided a platform for the Governor to clarify the intent behind the state's regulatory framework. Makinde stated unequivocally that the anti-open grazing law was not enacted to witch-hunt the Fulani community or to block legitimate businesses. Instead, the legislation was designed to restore order, protect the livelihoods of farmers, and prevent the violent clashes that often result in the loss of lives and property. He argued that a regulated environment is beneficial for all parties, as it provides a predictable and secure atmosphere for both crop farming and livestock rearing to thrive side by side.

Governor Makinde utilized the occasion to highlight the practical steps his administration has taken to support both sectors equally. He noted that while the government has rolled out tractorisation subsidies and distributed inputs to crop farmers, it has simultaneously supported pastoralists through cattle vaccination programs. This balanced approach, he suggested, is evidence of his government's neutrality and desire to see all agricultural sub-sectors prosper. He urged the herders to reciprocate this gesture by strictly adhering to the laws of the land, noting that compliance is the bedrock of the peaceful coexistence that the state seeks to achieve.

Recalling his campaign experience in 2018, the Governor shared a personal anecdote about his initial plan to scrap Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which he believed were unconstitutional. However, upon engaging with the Fulani community in Oriire Local Government, he realized that specific administrative structures provided a sense of belonging and political representation for them. Consequently, he reversed his decision, preserving the LCDAs to ensure inclusive governance. He used this story to illustrate his administration's responsiveness to the fears and aspirations of minority groups, reinforcing the message that dialogue is always preferable to confrontation.

The Chairperson of the OYRLEA, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd), in her opening address, echoed the Governor's sentiments. She described the summit as a necessary intervention to halt the "incessant and disturbing" developments regarding farmer-herder clashes, which she identified as a major threat to food security and social harmony. Justice Aderemi emphasized that ranching remains the global standard for modern livestock management and called for a collaborative effort among security agencies, traditional rulers, and local communities to enforce the transition from open grazing to more sustainable practices. She warned that the law is fully operational and that violators would face the full weight of the legal system.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and top government officials such as the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, and former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu. The presence of these dignitaries underscored the high priority the state government places on resolving the farmer-herder crisis. Governor Makinde specifically lauded the traditional rulers for their pivotal role in maintaining peace at the grassroots level, acknowledging that their mediation efforts often prevent minor disputes from escalating into major crises.

Ultimately, the summit served as a strategic engagement to build consensus on the implementation of the anti-open grazing law. By bringing all stakeholders to the table, the Oyo State Government aims to move beyond enforcement to a model of "voluntary compliance" driven by mutual understanding. Governor Makinde’s message was clear: there is enough land and opportunity for everyone to prosper in Oyo State, provided that all residents respect the rule of law and the rights of their neighbors. The administration remains optimistic that with continued dialogue, the narrative of conflict can be permanently replaced with one of collaboration and shared prosperity.