Oyo to launch anti-open grazing task force, says Makinde

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, says his administration will soon launch a task force to implement the ban on open grazing in the state.

The governor spoke during a town hall meeting organised in commemoration of the second anniversary of his administration.

The meeting held on Wednesday at the Soun Ogunlola Hall in Oja-Igbo, Ogbomoso.

A statement by Taiwo Adisa, his chief press secretary, quoted Makinde as saying open grazing is illegal in the state.

“In Oyo State, open grazing is against the law. The implementation plan will come out within the next six to eight weeks,” he said.

“So, to my brother from Oriire who spoke about open grazing, the Task Force will not be for Oriire alone, it will cut across Oyo State.

“So, whoever goes against the law in this state will face the wrath of the law and that is just it.”

In January, governors of the south-west states announced their decision to ban open grazing of cattle in the region, owing to the tension between herders and their host communities.

In May, governors of the southern region resolved to ban open grazing and the movement of cattle by foot.

On the requests for road construction, Makinde assured the people of the state that his government will soon create an alternative road to the Ibadan/Oyo/Ogbomoso expressway, a federal road, which he said has been under construction for too long.

According to him, the state government will also construct the Iseyin/Ogbomoso road to link the Ibadan/Iseyin road.

“And concerning all the requests on road construction, we will plan ahead. Some of these projects will be included in the budget that we are going to come up with next year, because we have to work with the fund in government’s coffers,” Makinde said.

“When you engage with our team on budget, which will be going round very soon, make sure some of these roads are mentioned and I give you my promise that we will do all we can to ensure the right things are done.”