By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has warned herders against open grazing in Ibadan, declaring the practice illegal and vowing that violators will be arrested and prosecuted.
The warning was issued on Monday, 9 February, 2026 in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following a meeting between the Monarch, members of the Ibadan Traditional Council and representatives of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olugbemiga Ayoade.
Speaking through the statement, Ladoja ordered herders to immediately halt open cattle grazing across the city, stressing that the practice violates Oyo State law. He added that enforcement agencies had been directed to act decisively.
“Any person caught disobeying the Oyo State law that forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law,” the monarch said.
Beyond the legal implications, the Olubadan condemned what he described as persistent attacks linked to herders, warning that the palace would no longer tolerate violence against farming communities.
“We will not fold our arms and watch herdsmen kill farmers, attack their children, assault their wives, and destroy their farms, which are their means of livelihood,” he said.
The traditional ruler urged titleholders and community leaders to remain vigilant in their domains and ensure the protection of lives and property, cautioning that negligence could attract sanctions from the palace.
Corroborating these concerns, the chairman of the Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Mr David Olatunji, said farmers in the area had suffered repeated attacks.
“Our members are being attacked, our children endangered, our wives assaulted, and our farmlands destroyed,” Olatunji said.
He appealed to the Olubadan and the Oyo State Government to urgently rescue the association from what he described as destructive activities threatening their livelihoods.
