In a bid to strengthen security and address recurring challenges in the enforcement of key legislative measures, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has sponsored a motion calling for post-legislative scrutiny of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law and the Oyo State Security Network Agency Law.
Co-sponsored by the Chief Whip, Hon. G.J. Oyekola, the motion was presented during today’s plenary session.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin highlighted the significance of the two laws, which were enacted to curb open grazing, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and enhance security through the establishment of the Amotekun Corps.
Despite their initial impact, the Speaker noted that enforcement challenges, including limited manpower, unclear reporting structures, and insufficient sensitization, have hindered their effectiveness.
The Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, passed in October 2019, prohibits open grazing and regulates livestock management to prevent farmland destruction and violent clashes.
Similarly, the Oyo State Security Network Agency Law, passed in March 2020, formally established the regional security outfit Amotekun corps to combat insecurity, including rural banditry and illegal grazing.
The motion observed that complaints from farming communities and rural residents about farmland destruction, kidnapping threats, and other security breaches linked to unauthorized grazing remain pervasive.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin emphasized the need for a thorough review of the laws to identify gaps, ambiguities, and implementation bottlenecks.
The Speaker proposed that the Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit of the Oyo State House of Assembly, in collaboration with the *Ministry of Justice, conduct a comprehensive review of the laws.
This review would involve consultations with affected communities, farmers’ associations, herder groups, traditional institutions, and Amotekun leadership to gather feedback and propose legislative amendments to enhance enforcement.
The motion also urged the Executive Arm of Government, through relevant ministries, to intensify public awareness campaigns, equip Amotekun Corps with adequate resources, and collaborate with security agencies to enforce the laws effectively.
“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. The motion marks a significant step toward reinforcing security frameworks and safeguarding the well-being of Oyo State residents. ” Oyo Speaker said
Additionally, the Committees on Security and Strategy, Agriculture, and Rural Development were tasked with assessing operational challenges and developing strategic interventions to improve security coordination statewide.
Members of the Assembly expressed unanimous support for the motion, acknowledging its importance in addressing the evolving security and agricultural realities in Oyo State.
They emphasized that strengthening these laws would not only protect lives and property but also promote food security and rural stability.
The House directed its three Committees viz, Business and Rule, Agriculture and Security to work together with the Post Legislative Scrutiny, PLS Unit to achieved the desired results.