The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has described as false, misleading and unfounded allegations aired during a broadcast on Agidigbo FM on Saturday, July 25, 2026, alleging discrimination against Fulani herders, extortion, unlawful impoundment of livestock and abuse of power by its officers.
In a statement signed by the Chairperson of the Authority, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.), OYRLEA maintained that all its enforcement activities are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde and that due process was followed in the case referenced during the broadcast.
According to the Authority, the matter arose from an enforcement operation carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Atowoda Area of Ido Local Government Area, where 16 cows were impounded following complaints from farmers over the destruction of farmlands by herders engaged in open grazing.
OYRLEA explained that the operation was initiated after receiving several petitions from affected farmers in Ido and surrounding communities. Investigations conducted by the Authority confirmed cases of open grazing and extensive damage to crops, supported by what it described as irrefutable evidence.
The Authority noted that under Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, any person found guilty of violating the law is liable, upon conviction, to five years imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000.00(Five Hundred Thousand Naira) for a first offence, while subsequent offences attract 10 years imprisonment or a fine of ₦2,000,000.00(Two Million Naira). The law also provides for adequate compensation to victims based on an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.
OYRLEA further disclosed that the legal representative of the herders opted for an out-of-court settlement. Following the assessment report issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of ₦3,200,000.00(Three Million, two Hundred Thousand Naira) was paid as government fines, while ₦4,000,000 was paid as compensation to the affected farmer.
The Authority emphasized that all payments were made directly into designated government accounts by the legal representative of the herders, with official government receipts duly issued. It stressed that no officer of the Authority is authorized to receive cash payments or personal transfers under any circumstance.
While expressing concern over the broadcast, OYRLEA faulted Agidigbo FM for airing the allegations without first verifying the facts or seeking the Authority’s response, describing the action as inconsistent with the ethics of responsible journalism.
“The broadcast of unverified allegations without first ascertaining the facts or seeking the Authority’s response is inconsistent with the ethics of responsible journalism. Such reporting has the potential to mislead the public and undermine confidence in a government institution,” the statement read.
Justice Aderemi reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to enforcing the law fairly, transparently and without fear or favour, adding that OYRLEA remains focused on promoting peace, protecting farmlands and ensuring environmental sustainability across Oyo State.
She urged members of the public to disregard the misinformation and obtain accurate information through official channels.
The Chairperson also appealed to Agidigbo FM and other media organizations to uphold the principles of fairness, balance and accuracy by seeking the Authority’s position before airing reports capable of affecting public confidence and security.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, other security agencies and community stakeholders in sustaining law, order and peaceful coexistence across the state.
