His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr ) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa 1), the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has frowned on the practice of open cattle gracing within Ibadanland, describing it as illegal.
The monarch expressed his displeasure on Monday in a press release issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga shortly after the meeting with the members of Olubadan – In – Council and the Executive members of Ijaye Farm Settlers Association at Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
“Open cattle gracing is not only illegal but also prohibited not only in Ibadanland but also in Oyo State in general”, Oba Ladoja said, warning all the cattle rearers to desist from open cattle grazing to avoid court litigation. He threatened that any one caught disobeying Oyo State law which forbids open cattle grazing will be arrested and prosecuted.
“We will not fold our arms watching Fulani herdsmen killing the farmers, their children, raping their wives and destroying their farms which is the means of their livelihood”, the monarch further stressed.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland told the Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and other traditional title holders to keep vigil in their domains to ensure adequate security of lives and property to avoid sanctions from the palace.
He called on the residents of Ibadan to quickly inform the law enforcement agents whenever they notice the presence of Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers and other unscrupulous elements in their areas.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Ijaye Farm Settlers Association, Pastor David Olatunji, lamented the high rate at which the Fulani herdsmen were killing his fellow farm settlers, their children, raping their wives and destroying their farms lands and produce.
He further said that all efforts to protect their farms proved abortive as none of these farm destroyers was arrested and prosecuted despite their repeated reports at police stations and at other security posts.
The chairman solicited the support and protection of Olubadan and Oyo State Government to rescue them from the Fulani herdsmen and their destructive activities.
Present at the meeting were: Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Barr) Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola -Daisi; the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Olubunmi Dada Isioye,; Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees; the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Muritala Adebayo Akande; and the Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin.
