“The move is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where September 1st was set as the deadline for Governors in Southern Nigeria to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.”
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has signed into Law the Anti-Open Grazing Bill passed by the State House of Assembly.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said the Governor signed the bill into Law in his office on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
The decision to sign into law the anti-open grazing bill came following the move to curb insecurity in Ondo State as well as cases of farmers/herders clashes.
The statement said, “The move is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where September 1st was set as the deadline for Governors in Southern Nigeria to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.
“This is worthwhile and a very laudable development aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State.
“It is very pertinent to aver and indeed, reiterate that the Law shall rather, engender a more cordial, mutually benefiting relationship amongst residents of the State irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target.
“While it is the hope of Government that all residents would take ample advantage of this Law to enhance our socio-economic well being in Ondo State, compliance of same shall be given the utmost attention. Government shall pursue with vigour, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance.
“In this regard, details of the new Law shall be made available to the public for proper information, more depth of understanding on contents as well as other relevant areas”, the statement said.
The Ondo State anti-grazing law was in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum at its last meeting in Lagos on July 5, 2021.
The law was designed to regulate security, rearing and grazing of livestock.
It will also ensure the establishment of ranches in the state as well as prevent the destruction of farm crops in the state and will address clashes between herders and farmers in the state.
