Osun Outlaws Open Grazing, House Of Assembly Imposes Penalties On Defaulters

By Ayodele Oni

It has become an offence in Osun state to Convey any livestock on foot from one destination to another, except such movement is by Rail, Wagon, Truck or pick-up wagon.

Under the law, ratified by the state House of Assembly, such movement by truck is allowed  within 7:00am to 6:00pm.

The new law, which has just been passed by the legislature, also outlawed open grazing, which attracts three years in jail.

The law allows for regulation of animal grazing, establishments of cattle ranches and other related matters.

The House of Assembly also passed into law Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill 2021.

The Speaker,  Mr Timothy Owoeye at plenary noted that the bill passed into law would prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

According to him, the bill would also prevent killings, sexual molestation, protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

He pointed out that as from the  day of commencement of the bill, no person or group of persons shall rear, herd, or graze any livestock in any part of the State except within permitted ranches.

The Speaker maintained that any herdsman or group of herdsman that graze, herd or rear cattle or livestock outside permitted ranches after the commencement of this bill shall be guilty of an offence.

“Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of Cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.

“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.

“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.

“Permits shall only be issued to a Nigerian who is authorized to conduct business under the Bill of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Preference shall be given in issuance of ranching permits to those within or near a district who are landowners interested in livestock business.

“Any herdsman or pastoralist who attacks or threatens to track any farmer, person or commuter whether or not injury is occasioned by the attack shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year without an option of fine.”