Hon. Francis Adetunji Moves Motion on Need to Put Measures in Place to Forestall Herdsmen/Farmers Clashes as the Dry Season Approaches

..... Calls for implementation of Anti-Open Grazing Law

Oyo State House of Assembly member representing Oluyole State Constituency in the 9th Assembly, Hon Francis Adewale Adetunji who also doubled as Chairman House Committee on Investment Monitoring and State Economic Planning sponsored a motion tagged "Need to Put measures in place to Forestall Herdsmen and Farmers' Clashes as the Dry Season Approaches"

The motion was read by the Sponsorer, Hon. Francis Adetunji at the Oyo Assembly plenary siting today Thursday 14th of October 2021 as stated below;

"Notes that as the raining season is receding, signaling the natural approach of the dry season. These seasons are not in themselves a concern as humans have lived and adapted to them from the beginning of time. However, the cases of the clashes between farmers and herders in recent times are pointers to why these seasons have become major concerns for Government and the general citizenry, especially farmers."

"Further notes that as the dry season approaches, herders and their cattle

from the fast—drying North will be moving down to the West for greener pastures. The concern is that the herders would not restrict grazing of their cattle to uncultivated farmlands. Experiences from the past would

remind us of the bitter tales that farmers have had to tell. Many of our farmers have left their farms for either the fear of being killed by notorious herdersmen or because of losses they have recorded overtimes due to the wanton destruction of their farms. No doubt, this is a direct cause of the increase in prices of food stuff which as well will invariably affect the economy of the State."

"Aware that in 2019, this Assembly comprising responsible representatives

of our constituents passed the Open Grazing Prohibition Law on 24th

October, 2019. This law had been assented to by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde."

"The intent of the law was to address the destruction of farms by cattles and by necessity compel cattle rearers to adopt the modern ways of rearing. This was a responsive move to put an end to the incessant farmers and herders’ clashes which have resulted into regrettable death of indigenes of Oyo State across the senatorial districts, especially in Oke-Ogun and Ibarapaland. Hence the need to take proactive steps to curb future occurrences."

"Further aware that in spite of the enactment of this Law, herders are still seen grazing their cattle openly and freely without the fear of the law.

Their presence is noticed in school premises, within communities and urban centre streets."

"Concerned that irrespective of the importance of any law, if enforcement is lacking the essence of the Law is defeated. The bane of our society is not the unavailability of adequate laws to address our impending problems but the will to enforce the existing once."

The motion was jointly sponsored by by Hon Francis Adetunji (Oluyole) and Hon Saminu Gbadamosi (Atisbo/Saki East).

The motion was adopted by the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and forwarded to the house committee on security and house committee on agriculture for further scrutiny.

The lawmakers stated that it was time for implementation of the anti-open grazing law passed by the Assembly on the 24th of October, 2019 and already assented to by Governor Seyi Makinde to checkmate the destruction of farmlands by the herders and also compel them to adopt the modern ways of rearing their animals.

In their remarks, Hon Asimiyu Alarape (Minority Leader), Hon Simeon Oyeleke (Ogo-Oluwa/Ajaawa) urged the Executive arm of Government to take proactive measures in addressing the activities of the Fulani herders who carry weapons and guns around.

The duo of Hon Akeem Adedibu (Chief Whip) and Hon Jacob Bamigboye who were almost moved to tears narrated how their farmlands were recently destroyed by the herds of cattle of these erring Fulanis.

They said farmers in Oyo State will experience worse situation from Fulani herders in the coming dry season if the recalcitrant Fulani herders are not made to face the full wrath of the provisions of the law, and appealed to the Governor to be courageous enough in implementing the Open Grazing Prohibition Law. 

It was equally resolved that there should be adequate sensitization on the media in different languages to ensure everyone becomes aware of penalities and provisions of the law to prevent further violations. 

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon Adebo Ogundoyin maintained that continuous destruction of farmlands by Fulani herders and their cattle was unacceptable.

He stressed that this has continued to take it toll on the food production and has resulted in scarcity of foodstuff and increase in their prices.

" Our Security Agents, Amotekun Corps and other Vigilance Groups must work together to address this menace and arrest these agents of destruction. We cannot afford to have increase in the activities of Fulani herders on our farms. " Oyo Speaker said.

The House also called on all stakeholders to organize farmers, herders meeting in order to emphasize compliance to the Open Grazing Prohibition Law and re-emphasize the need for everyone to live together in peace and harmony.

It was equally resolved that there should be adequate sensitization on the media in different languages to ensure everyone becomes aware of penalities and provisions of the law to prevent further violations.

Signed:

Alimi Abiola DJEfficy

SSA Media to Hon Francis Adetunji