Anti-Open Grazing: Oyo Speaker Laments Poor Implementation, Wants Amotekun Armed

The Oyo State House of Assembly has expressed concerns over the poor implementation of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law and the Oyo State Security Network Agency Law, which established the Amotekun Corps amid the current security challenges in the country.

The speaker expressed his frustration on the dilemma faced by personnel of Amotekun Corp the continually evolving security challenges they encounter in line of duty.

Speaking on Thursday, April 16 during it’s plenary sitting, on a motion presented on his behalf by the Chief Whip of the House, Honorable Gbenga Oyekola, Ogundoyin emphasized the urgent need to revisit and strengthen the enforcement of these laws to tackle persistent security and agricultural challenges across the state.

The motion called for post-legislative scrutiny of the two critical laws aimed at curbing open grazing, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, and enhancing state-wide security.

The Speaker maintained that security remains inimical to improved farming that will also culminate into food security and job creation, stressing that the heightened farmers/herders crisis in other states such as Borno, Yobe, and Benue states, calls for serious concern and a wake up call on the state government.

Ogundoyin lamented that despite the passage of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law in October 2019, and the establishment of the Amotekun Corps under the Oyo State Security Network Agency Law in March 2020, issues such as manpower shortages, poor sensitization, and lack of clear reporting structures have continued to hinder their effectiveness.

“The motion marks a significant step toward reinforcing security frameworks and safeguarding the well-being of Oyo State residents,” the Speaker stated.

“As we pioneer the post-legislative scrutiny unit in the Oyo State House of Assembly, I decided to come up with the Motion as its first assignment and responsibility. With this, we remain committed to ensuring that every law passed serves its intended purpose and responds to emerging challenges.” Ogundoyin said.

He highlighted ongoing complaints from farming communities and rural dwellers over recurring incidents of farmland destruction, threats of kidnapping, and general insecurity linked to illegal grazing. In light of these concerns, Ogundoyin proposed that the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, undertake a comprehensive review of the two laws.

This review, he said, would include wider consultations with stakeholders including farmers’ associations, herder groups, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the leadership of the Amotekun Corps, with the goal of identifying legal gaps, addressing ambiguities, and proposing necessary amendments.

The Speaker also urged the Executive Arm of Government, through relevant ministries, to scale up public awareness campaigns and ensure Amotekun Corps are adequately equipped and empowered to enforce the laws effectively.

Also, the House mandated its Committees on Security and Strategy, Agriculture, and Rural Development to investigate the operational challenges facing law enforcement and to propose strategic interventions to improve statewide security coordination.

Lawmakers across the chamber unanimously supported the motion, recognizing its critical role in adapting to the evolving security and agricultural landscape in Oyo State. They reiterated that bolstering these laws would protect lives, enhance food security, and stabilize rural communities.

The Assembly further directed its Committees on Business and Rule, Agriculture, and Security to work in concert with the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit to achieve the desired outcomes.