Fulani herdsmen in Oyo State, operating under the Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, have filed a lawsuit against the Oyo State Government, its House of Assembly, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo. They allege a serious violation of their fundamental rights.
Represented by Professor Yusuf Dankofa in the legal action, the herdsmen are seeking for the Oyo State High Court to invalidate the law that they claim unfairly targets them. They argue that the law is “illegal, unconstitutional, null and void” and goes against constitutional provisions, particularly section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended).
Additionally, they are requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent all the respondents from enacting or aiding in the enforcement of the anti-grazing bill, believing that it infringes on their constitutional rights.
In their plea, the herdsmen are also seeking a compensation of N100,000 million against the respondents for the violation of their fundamental rights. They argue that open rearing or grazing of livestock is an integral part of their cultural heritage and an essential aspect of their livelihood and economy.
This legal action comes in response to the passage of a bill in Oyo State that prohibits open rearing and grazing of livestock, as well as the establishment of ranches for livestock rearing purposes.