By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Sept 15, 2026
IBADAN — The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in a joint operation with security operatives, has impounded ten cows following illegal open grazing and environmental nuisance in the Arola community, Apete area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The early morning crackdown was initiated following a formal petition submitted by local residents. The petition raised serious concerns regarding cattle rearing within the densely populated residential community, citing indiscriminate disposal of animal waste, severe noise, air pollution, and unchecked open grazing.
Acting on the distress calls, the enforcement team visited the specified site in the early hours of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to conduct a preliminary verification of the claims. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that the allegations were fully substantiated, uncovering active cattle rearing and clear evidence of open grazing within the urban neighborhood.
The operations directly contravene the provisions of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law of 2019, which strictly prohibits the herding and open feeding of livestock in non-designated zones across the state.
Eight cows were immediately confiscated at the primary site.
During their return from the operation, the enforcement team intercepted additional livestock tied along public pathways and actively grazing on open grounds along the route.
Two additional cows were impounded, bringing the total number of seized livestock to ten.
Reacting to the operation, the Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Honourable Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), emphasized that the state’s actions were driven strictly by statutory compliance and public safety rather than malice toward livestock farmers.
”This exercise is not targeted at legitimate livestock owners, but is strictly aimed at ensuring full compliance with the law. We are committed to protecting residents from the environmental hazards, health risks, and public safety challenges associated with illegal open rearing and grazing,” Justice Aderemi stated.
She further reaffirmed OYRLEA’s unwavering dedication to upholding urban planning and environmental safety laws across Oyo State, calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any statutory infractions. She assured that all credible complaints submitted to the authority would receive swift and decisive action.
The impounding of livestock in the Apete area highlights the ongoing effort by the Oyo State Government to fully implement its anti-open grazing legislation.
Passed into law in November 2019 under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law was enacted to address persistent farmer-herder conflicts, curb destruction of agricultural land, and eliminate urban environmental degradation caused by roaming cattle.
Under the 2019 legal framework:
Open Rearing Prohibited: The herding or grazing of cattle, sheep, and goats on public roads, residential layouts, and unapproved open lands is strictly illegal.
Ranching Mandate: Livestock owners are required to adopt modern ranching practices and keep animals within enclosed, registered facilities.
Penalties & Seizures: Unclaimed or impounded animals attract stiff financial penalties, confiscation, or public auction upon judicial review, while offenders risk custodial sentences upon conviction.
The creation of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) provided the administrative muscle required to execute environmental and public order mandates.
Apete, a rapidly expanding suburb hosting a large population of students from the nearby The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has experienced heightened residential density in recent years, making urban livestock management a critical public health and security priority for state authorities.
