The Oyo State House of Assembly has commenced a public hearing and stakeholders’ engagement on the Post-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS) inquiry into the implementation of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019.
The public hearing, organised in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun), Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Civil Society Organisations, among others.
The Public hearing which was held on Wednesday at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan was declared open by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Adebo Ogundoyi.
He was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Muhammed Fadeyi who stated that by adopting Post-Legislative Scrutiny, the Assembly has broken new ground in legislative practice.
He explained that the PLS framework allows the legislature to assess the effectiveness, compliance level, and shortcomings of an already-enacted law, with a view to determining whether it requires amendment or repeal to ensure more effective implementation.
The Speaker assured stakeholders that all submitted memoranda would be thoroughly reviewed and harmonized for necessary legislative action.
In his welcome address, the House Majority Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Honourable Sanjo Adedoyin, said the public hearing was aimed at brainstorming and gathering insights on the modern legislative reform mechanism known as Post-Legislative Scrutiny.
He noted that the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, was enacted to ensure orderliness, protect livelihoods, and promote sustainable coexistence between farming and herding communities, which remain central to the state’s economy.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, described the law as a visionary one, noting that its implementation is still evolving. She stressed that the intent of the law is not to witch-hunt any group but to support economic growth and protect individual businesses. She recommended involving local governments and traditional rulers to boost enforcement.
Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), Chairperson of Amotekun and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), said the law serves as an essential security tool for safeguarding all residents, irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliation. She added that the law has significantly reduced frequent conflicts between farmers and herders as well as associated environmental challenges.
Justice Aderemi recommended increasing fines and jail terms for offenders, allocating land for agency offices across the 33 local government areas, and involving traditional rulers in the enforcement structure.
Representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) advocated proper education and increased awareness to ensure all stakeholders understand the law before full enforcement. They also called for fairness, inclusion of local authorities, and engagement of Fulani community leaders to enhance data collection and promote peaceful coexistence.
Other stakeholders presented memoranda, which the Speaker assured would be carefully examined and harmonized.
Lawmakers present at the hearing included Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, Honourable Sunkanmi Babalola, Honourable Dele Adeola, Honourable Comforter Olajide, and Honourable Peter Ojedokun.
