ICYMI: Ondo assembly passes anti-open grazing bill

The Ondo house of assembly has passed a bill to ban open grazing in the state.

The legislation criminalises open grazing of livestock and seeks for the establishment of ranches in the state.

The bill was passed after Taofeek Oladele, chairman of the committee on agriculture, presented a report on the bill.

While presenting a report on the bill, Oladele said the legislation will tackle the frequent farmer-herder clashes, which have led to the loss of lives and property in the state

He said when signed into law, the legislation will bring peace and encourage agriculture practices in the state.

During plenary session on Thursday, the lawmakers also passed two bills — autonomy for the judiciary bill and violence against persons prohibition bill.

Samuel Ademoye, deputy speaker of the house, said the bill granting autonomy for the judiciary will ensure the independence of the judiciary.

The bills were voted and adopted after they were put to a voice vote.

Meanwhile, the decision by the Ondo assembly comes months after southern governors resolved to ban open grazing and movement of cattle by foot in the region.

Speaking after a meeting in Delta state on May 11, Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, said the decision was taken to address “conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the south”.