Recall that the law was sponsored by the councillor representing Ward 14 Imala /idi Emi and Chairman house committee on Finance and Appropriation. Hon. Olusola Victor, and co-sponsored by the councillors representing Wards 9, 16 , 2 , 1 and 5.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Security Agencies, Community Leaders, Farmers, Fulani and Hausa representatives, members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Religious Leaders, Community Development Associations and other critical stakeholders to discuss the implementation framework and secure broad-based support for the new Legislation.
Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo explained that the bye-law had completed all legislative procedures and had become a valid law of the Local Government, stressing that its implementation was designed to curb the challenges associated with uncontrolled open grazing while fostering lasting peace among residents.
He explained that the bye-law had completed all legislative procedures and had become a valid law of the Local Government, stressing that its implementation was designed to curb the challenges associated with uncontrolled open grazing while fostering lasting peace among residents.
According to him, the legislation is intended to reduce recurring clashes between farmers and herders, improve security, protect agricultural investments and create an environment where people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds can coexist peacefully.
The Council Chairman also announced that all livestock owners and herders operating within Abeokuta North would be required to register with the local government for proper identification.
He noted that the registration exercise would assist security Agencies in monitoring livestock activities, improve accountability within the sector and provide the necessary database for the planned establishment of ranches in the Council Area.
The council Chairman urged all stakeholders to embrace the new policy, describing dialogue and cooperation as essential to the successful implementation of the law.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Ethnic Affairs, Hon. Hadi Sani described conflicts between farmers and herders as a National challenge requiring sustainable solutions.
He observed that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to modern livestock management and the gradual elimination of open grazing through structured policies.
Representing the Fulani community, the Seriki Hausa/Fulani, Mr. Ibraheem Hassan Hassan, pledged the support of herders for the implementation of the bye-law.
He stated that many Fulani families had lived peacefully in Abeokuta North for decades and assured the gathering that Community leaders would work closely with the Local Government to identify criminal elements while encouraging genuine herders to participate fully in the registration process.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Council of Baales in Abeokuta North, High Chief Jelili Oyejide, described the regulation as a timely intervention capable of addressing recurring disputes between farmers and herders.
He assured the council of the full cooperation of traditional leaders in ensuring the success of the policy.
The representative of farmers, Mr. Asiwaju Jelili, expressed confidence that effective enforcement of the bye-law would provide greater protection for farmers, their investments and food production activities within the Local Government.
The Olu of Olorunda, Oba Joshua Olusegun Philips Ogunsola, described the regulation as both necessary and timely, urging all stakeholders to support its implementation.
Similarly, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Professor Saka Adelola Matemilola, represented by Chief Abiodun Lasile, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, called on herders to educate their members on the provisions of the bye-law to ensure full compliance.
The Olu of Ilawo, Oba Alexsanda Olusegun Magrigor, commended Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo for his leadership and encouraged residents to support the administration’s efforts to build a safer and more prosperous Abeokuta North.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the formal presentation of the Livestock Grazing Regulation Bye-Law to stakeholders by the Leader of the Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Moruf Erubami.
Erubami explained that the legislation was enacted after due legislative consideration and was intended to serve the collective interest of residents by promoting peace, protecting lives and property and advancing sustainable development across the Local Government.
Meanwhile, Hon. Victor who sponsored the legislation, specifically acknowledged the member representing Abeokuta North State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Tella, for his support and contributions.
The councillor also extended his gratitude to Prince Ifekayode Akinbode and other community leaders for their contributions, describing their efforts as instrumental to the successful formulation and adoption of the law.
Among dignitaries present were the Secretary to the Local Government, Engr. (Mrs.) Mutiat Agbaje; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Sanitarian Olajumoke Ayoade; Dr. Princess Ojanronke Taiwo Ogunremi; members of the Legislative Council; Supervisors; Special Advisers; the Divisional Police Officer of Lafenwa Division, CSP Kenneth Iyayi; traditional rulers; Baales; community leaders; religious leaders; representatives of farmers, herders and Miyetti Allah, alongside other security agencies.
