Ogun proposed bill to curb farmers-herders clash passes 2nd reading

EHIME ALEX, Lagos

A bill on Animal Grazing and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law of Ogun State, 2020 has scaled second reading on the floor of the state house, with an assurance that when operational, it will prevent destruction of farmlands and checkmate incessant attacks and killings of innocent citizens by herders characterized by open grazing.

In a statement on Tuesday by the state Ministry of Information & Strategy, the opening debate on the second reading started shortly after a motion moved by the Minority Leader and sponsor, Ganiyu Oyedeji, seconded by Hon. Yusuf Adejojo and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote, during a plenary presided over by Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The sponsor explained that the essence of the bill is to promote peaceful co-existence.

He stressed that the bill was proposed to ensure peaceful atmosphere for existing and prospective herders to set up ranches for their cattle, adding that its implementation will further boost agricultural practices, particularly animal husbandry in the state.

Also, in separate submissions, honourable members, Adejojo, Adeyanju Adegoke, Sola Adams and Amosun Yusuf, stated that the bill, when passed and eventually signed into law would curb environmental pollution, reduces farmers-herdsmen conflicts and increase food production, with a call for consideration of seamless access to landed properties for grazing.

Other honourable members including Wahab Haruna, Oludaisi Elemide, Kemi Oduwole, Sylvester Abiodun and Yusuf Sheriff posited that the bill will make the State key into ranching system, which is in line with best practices, as the state can no longer allow for arms bearing and its illegal possession by herders.

Responding, Speaker Olakunle Oluomo said the new bill will include a system of identification for herders, to allow for easy tracking by security agencies when necessary.

He thereafter committed the bill to the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry for further necessary legislative actions.