Oyo state monarch, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, warns herdsmen that the Nigerian constitution that allows Nigerians to live anywhere in the country does not permit breaking the law.
Oba Francis, the Deputy Chairman of Oyo state State Council of Obas, told the herdsman that they must obey the anti-open grazing law established to regulate animal husbandry.
He further added that no leader or government would watch its state’s law been trampled on by anyone.
The monarch explains that the anti-open grazing law was put in place to put an end to the looming crisis between herdsmen and farmers, and the law would be enforced without favor.
“What I will tell them ( herdsmen) is that in as much as the law permits every Nigerian to live wherever those choose to live within Nigeria, that does not give them the room to be lawless.
“The anti-open grazing law has been passed, and if anybody violates the law, the law enforcement agents will catch up with such a person. Such will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The Fulani leaders in Oyo State communicated with us the outcome of the meeting they had with the commissioner of police. They are monitoring their people. The state government, the Oyo State Police Command, and traditional rulers are working together to there is peace in every part of the state.
“Whoever violates the law, the law enforcement agents will catch him or her and will face the consequence.”
Oba Alao, who led monarchs, official delegations of the state government, and the police to the January 24 peace meeting that held in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state to re-instate peace, said the security agencies and the government were working to make sure the area remains peaceful at all times.
He said, “The governor went to Ibarapa, and I believe he saw things himself, and the people must have told him the problems, the situation will return back to normal in the area and in every part of the state.”
