Ladoja condemns open grazing, warns Fulani herdsmen against attacking farmers

By Adeola Badru

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has expressed strong displeasure over the practice of open cattle grazing within Ibadanland.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, following a meeting with members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the executive members of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, on Monday, Oba Ladoja said: “Open cattle grazing is not only illegal but also prohibited, not only in Ibadanland but throughout Oyo State.”

The Olubadan warned all cattle rearers to desist from open grazing to avoid court action, emphasising that anyone caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted.

“We will not fold our arms while Fulani herdsmen kill farmers, their children, assault their wives and destroy farms, which are their means of livelihood,” the monarch added.

Oba Ladoja also reminded Ibadan Mogajis, Baales, and other traditional titleholders to maintain vigilance in their domains and ensure adequate security of life and property to avoid sanctions from the palace.

He urged residents to promptly report the presence of Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers, or other criminal elements to law enforcement agencies.

Earlier in the meeting, Pastor David Olatunji, chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, expressed concern over the high incidence of attacks by Fulani herdsmen, including killings, assaults, and destruction of farmland.

“All efforts to protect our farms have proved abortive, as none of these perpetrators has been arrested or prosecuted despite repeated reports to the police and other security agencies,” Pastor Olatunji said.

He called on the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to support and protect farmers against these attacks.

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking traditional chiefs, including: Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye; Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande and Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.

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