In a dramatic show of defiance, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Oyo State chapter took to the streets of Ibadan to protest what they describe as “state-sanctioned injustice” against Fulani herders. Led by prominent figures Alhaji Yakubu Bello, the Serkin Fulani of Oyo State, and Adam Abdukadir, the association’s liaison officer, the protestors accused state authorities of illegal detentions and systematic exclusion of herders from the state’s law enforcement and security apparatus.
The protest comes amid rising tensions over the enforcement of Oyo State’s anti-grazing law, enacted in 2019 to address recurring farmer-herder conflicts and rural violence. MACBAN leaders alleged that several herders have been detained without fair hearings, with Alhaji Bello stating, “Our members were arrested illegally,” and accusing the state’s Rule of Law Enforcement Agency of bypassing due process. The association insists these actions violate the rights of innocent herders and represent a deliberate attempt to marginalise a community that has coexisted peacefully with host populations for generations.
While acknowledging the need for regulation to protect farmlands and prevent violent clashes, MACBAN emphasized that the law is being selectively enforced against Fulani herders. Liaison officer Abdukadir stressed, “We are not against the law, but it must be enforced with fairness and justice. Our people are peace-loving and committed to living in harmony with our host communities.” The protestors called for their inclusion in the state’s security and law enforcement committees, arguing that such collaboration would help reduce rural conflicts and foster mutual understanding.
The protest has drawn significant public attention, with civil society organizations and local media pledging to monitor the state’s response closely. Critics warn that excluding a key stakeholder community vital to the rural economy and cultural heritage of Oyo State reflects deeper systemic marginalisation and political neglect. Given the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria, this development adds complexity to the national debate on land use, open grazing, and indigenous security arrangements.
State authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protestors’ allegations. However, the intensity of the demonstration has prompted calls from traditional rulers and local leaders for urgent government intervention. The Miyetti Allah’s message is clear: “We are part of the society, and our voice must be heard.” This sentiment resonates widely among communities that feel sidelined by policies favoring urban and agrarian interests over pastoral lifestyles.
As the debate over Oyo State’s anti-grazing law continues, the Miyetti Allah protest has ignited a broader national conversation about justice, equity, and the future of Nigeria’s rural communities. The unfolding situation underscores the urgent need for inclusive security and development policies shaped in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure lasting peace and harmonious coexistence.
