The legislation, titled “A Bye-Law to Regulate Livestock Grazing, Provide for the Registration of Herders and Herders’ Settlements, Prohibit Open Grazing and the Carrying of Offensive Weapons within Communities in Abeokuta North Local Government Area,” was passed during a plenary session of the council on Tuesday at the council chamber.
Chairman house committee on Finance and Appropriation. Hon. Olusola Victor, and co-sponsored by the councillors representing Wards 9, 16 , 2 , 1 and 5 .
With the passage by the legislative arm, the bye-law now awaits the assent of the Executive Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government before it becomes enforceable.
Speaking shortly after the passage of the bill, the Leader of the House, Hon. Moruf Erubami, described the legislation as a timely intervention in view of the growing security concerns across the country.
According to him, the law will establish order in livestock management while protecting residents in both urban and rural communities from security threats associated with unregulated grazing.
“This legislation is about protecting lives, preserving peace and restoring sanity across our communities. It sends a clear message that everyone must operate within the law”.
He commended the sponsor of the bill for ensuring that the provisions addressed the realities facing both rural farming communities and urban settlements.
“I commend Hon. Olusola Victor for bringing forward a comprehensive bill that reflects the concerns of our people. This is not directed against any ethnic group or profession, it is purely a security and public safety measure designed for the benefit of everyone living in Abeokuta North,” he said.
Sponsor of the bill, Hon. Olusola Victor, said the legislation was designed to regulate livestock grazing activities, prohibit open grazing, register herders and their settlements, encourage modern livestock management and strengthen peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
He stressed that lawmakers have a constitutional responsibility to respond to emerging security challenges through legislation rather than limiting their work to debates and motions.
“As legislators, we cannot fold our arms while insecurity and lawlessness continue to threaten our communities. Our responsibility is to enact laws that protect lives, safeguard investments and create an environment where both farmers and livestock owners can operate peacefully,”.
The Ward 14 councillor further explained that the law reinforces the existing prohibition on the carrying of offensive weapons by herders and other individuals within communities, noting that strict enforcement would commence once the Executive Chairman grants assent.
“When this bye-law receives executive assent, enforcement will begin in earnest. Residents and herders alike will understand that Abeokuta North has taken a firm stand on security, responsible livestock management and respect for the rule of law,” he said.
He added that the bill is more than just a bye-law, it is a bold and practical step toward providing a lasting solution to the security challenges facing our local government and the state as a whole.
“Security is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right of every citizen and a shared responsibility that must be upheld, regardless of where people live. Every resident deserves to live in peace.
“No community should wake up each day in fear of violence, crime, or insecurity. Through this bye-law, we are laying the foundation for safer communities, strengthening public confidence, and promoting peaceful coexistence for the benefit of all”.
Also speaking, one of the co-sponsors of the bill, Hon. Olakunle Afolabi, said the increasing incidents of burglary, theft and the movement of armed individuals made the legislation both necessary and urgent.
“Our primary responsibility as government is the protection of lives and property. That responsibility also extends to ensuring that animals are reared in an orderly manner that does not endanger residents or destroy the livelihoods of farmers,” Afolabi said.
He maintained that the council was not seeking to prevent anyone from engaging in livestock farming but rather to establish clear rules that would promote public safety and harmonious coexistence.
“We are not stopping anyone from rearing animals. What we are saying is that there must be regulation, compliance and accountability. Government will continue to provide an enabling environment, but every resident must also obey the laws put in place for the collective good,” he said.
