Says unlawful grazing will not be tolerated, sets up committee to investigate allegations
OBAFEMI OWODE, OGUN STATE — August 20, 2026:
The Obafemi Owode Local Government Council in Ogun State has assured residents of immediate government intervention following renewed protests by farmers over alleged destruction of farmlands by herders in parts of the council area.
The assurance followed reports of widespread damage allegedly caused by the activities of herders, with affected farmers lamenting losses they said had accumulated over several years. The farmers’ concerns, according to the local government, became particularly pronounced during a recent protest in some communities within the council.
Responding to the development, the Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Prince Segun Soneye, moved to assess the situation firsthand and held a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives of affected communities and other relevant parties in a bid to find a lasting solution to the dispute.
The council boss acknowledged the importance of both farmers and herders to the local economy, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence while insisting that all parties must operate within the provisions of the law.
At the stakeholders’ engagement, the chairman reportedly directed members of the Fulani community to conduct themselves responsibly and respect the rights of other residents.
He made it clear that the local government would not tolerate unlawful grazing or any activity capable of threatening peace, unity and security across the council area.
According to the council, the intervention is aimed at preventing the dispute from escalating while ensuring that legitimate complaints by farmers are properly investigated and addressed.
Prince Soneye also appealed to the affected farmers to remain calm and allow the government’s investigation to run its course.
As part of measures to establish the facts surrounding the allegations, the local government has constituted a committee to investigate the matter and submit its findings within a stipulated timeframe.
The committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported destruction of farmlands, identify areas of concern and make recommendations that could help prevent a recurrence of the crisis.
Communities specifically mentioned as being affected by the concerns include Ogunmakin, Ayegunle, Aluoge, Showunmi, Yakoyo, Lemomu and Beere.
The council chairman subsequently assured residents and other stakeholders in the affected communities that the government was firmly on top of the situation, urging them to continue with their lawful activities without fear.
He emphasized that maintaining peace and security remains a collective responsibility and called on residents to cooperate with the authorities by providing credible information that could assist the investigation.
The council further appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities or incidents capable of undermining peace in their communities.
It warned that anyone found culpable of violating the law would be made to face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of their background or affiliation.
The latest intervention underscores the council’s effort to balance the legitimate interests of farmers, whose livelihoods depend heavily on access to their farmlands, with the activities of herders, while preventing disputes over grazing and farmland from degenerating into broader security challenges.
The local government maintained that dialogue, adherence to the law and cooperation among community stakeholders remain critical to achieving sustainable peace.
Residents of Obafemi Owode and the affected communities are therefore expected to work with the investigative committee and security authorities by providing relevant information that could help establish the facts and bring lasting resolution to the matter.
Report: Ibikunle Kayode
E-signed:
Prince Segun Soneye
Director of Information, Obafemi Owode Local Government
19 August 2026
