By Lanre Shodimu
In a renewed push to enforce environmental and public order laws, the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has intensified operations against illegal livestock trading and open grazing across the state. The enforcement drive, which follows weeks of public sensitization campaigns, led to the impoundment of livestock and sanctions against traders operating in unauthorized locations in Ibadan.
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority has stepped up enforcement activities against the illegal sale and open grazing of livestock in unauthorized locations across Oyo State, signaling a tougher stance on environmental sanitation and public order violations.
The latest operation comes after sustained awareness campaigns jointly organized by OYRLEA and the Association of Livestock Dealers and Breeders. Through radio jingles and public sensitization messages, residents and livestock traders were repeatedly warned against the sale of sheep, rams, and goats outside officially approved markets and trading points. Livestock owners were also advised to obtain the list of authorized trading locations from the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development.
Despite the repeated warnings, some traders reportedly continued to operate in defiance of government directives, prompting enforcement officers to move in.
On Friday, officers of the Authority carried out coordinated operations in the Liberty area and along the Elekuro High School axis on Akanran Road in Ibadan. During the exercise, enforcement actions were taken against individuals engaged in livestock trading in unauthorized locations.
The operation further extended to the Sawmill Onipepeye area, where officers intercepted livestock openly grazing along public spaces while returning from the earlier raid. Authorities described the act as a direct violation of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law, which was enacted to curb indiscriminate grazing and maintain environmental order within the state.
At the end of the enforcement exercise, seven rams and one goat were impounded by the Authority.
Officials say the renewed crackdown is part of broader efforts by the state government to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, improve public sanitation, and reduce the growing concerns associated with uncontrolled livestock activities in urban areas.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state and urged residents, traders, and livestock owners to comply fully with government regulations to avoid penalties and sanctions.
