In a bold move to enforce the state’s environmental and public safety laws, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has warned residents to desist from open rearing and illegal keeping of animals within residential areas.
The Chairperson of the Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd), who heads the body responsible for enforcement of laws on road traffic, environmental sanitation, and anti-open grazing, issued this stern warning in a sensitization video message directed at all residents of Oyo State.
Justice Aderemi emphasized that the state government has placed a total ban on open rearing and grazing of animals, including goats, cows, pigs, chickens, and even dogs, within residential environments.
“All these animals have to be removed from residential areas and moved to appropriate places,” she declared. “The government and the law have stated that no more open rearing and grazing of these animals. If you have a goat in your house, it should not be there.”
She further stressed that those interested in animal rearing must follow due process by visiting the Ministry of Agriculture to obtain the necessary license and be officially allocated land in designated areas approved for such purposes.
Justice Aderemi warned that violators of this law will not be spared, as offenders caught or reported will face legal action and be charged to court.
She also encouraged members of the public experiencing disturbances or nuisances caused by stray or illegally kept animals in their farms or residences to report such cases to the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority.
“We cover the whole of Oyo State, not just Ibadan,” she assured, underscoring the statewide enforcement of the regulation.
The renewed clampdown on indiscriminate animal rearing in Oyo comes as part of the government’s commitment to environmental sanitation, public safety, and conflict prevention between farmers and herders.
