The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for sweeping reforms to strengthen the operations of the state’s security outfit, Amotekun, and improve the enforcement of the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, following a comprehensive review of both laws.
The recommendations emerged from a report presented on Tuesday by an ad hoc committee established by the Assembly to assess the effectiveness, challenges and impact of the two legislations.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee and Leader of the House, Hon. Sanjo Onaolapo, explained that the review was carried out in partnership with the House Post-Legislative Scrutiny Unit and supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.
According to him, the process included a three-day public hearing and stakeholder engagement session held in November 2025, where inputs were received from security agencies, government ministries, farmers, herders, civil society groups and members of the public.
The committee acknowledged that the Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law has contributed significantly to reducing violent clashes between farmers and herders, protecting farmlands and encouraging modern livestock management practices.
Stakeholders noted that the law has improved security for farmers, while agencies such as the Rule of Law Enforcement Authority and Amotekun have helped enforce compliance in several communities.
Despite these gains, the committee identified a number of challenges affecting effective implementation. It noted that enforcement structures remain largely concentrated in Ibadan, leaving many local government areas without adequate monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
The lawmakers also observed that several committees provided for under the law, including local government advisory committees, have not been fully established.
Other concerns highlighted in the report include inadequate funding, shortage of personnel, poor logistics, weak inter-agency collaboration and a lack of reliable data on livestock populations, grazing routes and ranch locations.
The committee further stated that disputes between farmers and herders still occur in some rural communities due to crop destruction, encroachment on farmlands and weak conflict-resolution structures at the grassroots level.
Regarding the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, the Assembly recommended several reforms aimed at boosting professionalism, accountability and operational efficiency.
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Lawmakers urged the state government to fully establish and operationalise the Independent Amotekun Complaints Committee as stipulated in the law to enhance public confidence and prevent abuse of power by operatives.
The report also called for improved personnel registration and identification systems, regular training on human rights and community policing, as well as stronger collaboration between Amotekun and other security agencies through clearly defined operational procedures.
To improve the welfare of operatives, the Assembly recommended better logistics, enhanced operational support and improved welfare packages.
In a move aimed at supporting families of fallen officers, lawmakers proposed a minimum death benefit of ₦2.5 million for families of Amotekun personnel who die in active service, with prompt payment to beneficiaries.
The House also recommended amendments to the Amotekun Law to provide clearer recruitment and training guidelines, strengthen accountability measures, reduce political interference and improve public complaint procedures.
Among the proposed changes is the appointment of the chairman and two members of the Amotekun Board as full-time officials, as well as mandatory periodic publication of reports by the Independent Complaints Committee.
The lawmakers further suggested dedicating a specific percentage of the Security Trust Fund to support Amotekun’s operations and ensure sustainable funding.
The committee concluded that while both laws have contributed significantly to security management and conflict resolution in Oyo State, stronger institutional reforms, improved funding and strategic legislative amendments are necessary to address emerging security challenges and enhance their effectiveness.
