THE Ondo State Government on Tuesday outlawed open grazing in all parts of the state as Rotimi Akeredolu, the state governor, signed the Ondo State anti-open grazing bill into law.
This was disclosed in a statement by Mr Donald Ojogo, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, stating that the law is not targeted at any particular group of persons.
According to the Commissioner, the law is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where 1st September, 2021 was set as the deadline for governors in southern part of the country to sign the anti-open grazing bill into law.
“This is worthwhile and a very laudable development aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State,” the statement said.
“It is very pertinent to aver and indeed, reiterate that the law shall rather, engender a more cordial, mutually benefiting relationship amongst residents of the state irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target,” Mr Ojogo stated.
Mr Akeredolu’s move came three months after the bill passed the third reading in the state house of assembly amidst opposition from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria. Other south-west states such as Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti have passed the anti-grazing bills.
In July, the 17 southern governors met in Lagos and set a September 1 as deadline for their states to enact the anti-open grazing law.
