Amidst heavy criticisms, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has returned to his Oke-Mosan office, Abeokuta on Thursday, September 30, 2021.
Abiodun, who returned almost same time as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, signed that anti-open grazing bill into law.
The State House of Assembly has passed the Animal Grazing Regulation and Cattle Ranch Establishment Law on July 8.
Since then, Gov Abiodun did not assent to the bill, despite a resolution by southern governors that it should be passed on or before August 31.
As Abiodun returned to his table today, he assented to the bill during a Security Council meeting, calling on security agencies to swing into action immediately and enforce provisions of the law.
He said this is a subject matter that had been discussed along the length and breadth of the country and which “we southern governors have discussed and endorsed.”
“Cattle rearers have six-month period of grace before it becomes illegal in Ogun state for them to occupy unapproved public areas and private land with their livestock for grazing.
“The law also prohibits the act of moving cattle around public places by herders.
“A committee headed by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina has been set up to midwife the implementation and enforcement of the new law.
“By implication, in six months, it will become unlawful to openly graze cattle or other livestock in the state,” Abiodun was quoted as saying.
Nigerians called out Abiodun, his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Speaker Oluomo for jetting out of the country same time.
On Thursday, the New Nigeria People’s Party submitted a petition at the Assembly complex, asking the lawmakers to commence impeachment process against Abiodun and his Deputy.
Abiodun is yet to comment about his foreign trip and the furor it generated.
