LASG Issues Stern Warning On Unauthorized Baale Installations In Ibeju Lekki

In a bid to foster lasting peace and unity across Ibeju-Lekki and its adjoining communities, the Lagos State Government convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers from the area .

The crucial dialogue, held at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, was chaired by the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa.

The meeting was convened in response to multiple petitions and growing tensions in the Ibeju-Lekki axis, especially surrounding the installation of Baales and boundary disputes.

The Commissioner emphasised that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will not tolerate any threats to peace or violations of established laws governing chieftaincy affairs in the state

“We cannot and will not fold our arms while chaos brews in any part of Lagos. Today’s gathering is a call for calm and collaboration. It’s a platform to find lasting, lawful resolutions to the disputes highlighted in recent petitions and social media reports,” Robert stated.

He stressed that the process of installing Baales in communities must support, not undermine, the governance structure of the state.

Consequently, he directed that any individual parading themselves as Baale without proper recognition from their rightful traditional authorities, especially when installed outside the jurisdiction of a reigning Oba, must cease such actions immediately.

“Any Baale appointed outside the authority of an Oba does not have legal standing and violates the State’s stipulated guidelines. We will not recognise nor tolerate such appointments,” he warned.

The Commissioner assured the royal fathers that the Ministry is already working on a comprehensive report, which will inform appropriate next steps to restore order and trust in the chieftaincy processes across the area.

He urged all traditional leaders to return to their communities with a renewed commitment to peace, dialogue, and lawful conduct, reiterating the government’s readiness to uphold tradition within the framework of the law.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Elemoro expressed appreciation to the State Government for the timely intervention. He pledged the collective support of traditional leaders in ensuring lasting peace and a resolution to all outstanding issues.

Also in attendance was the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Engr. Sesan Olowa, alongside Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Elemoro, the Onitedo of Oke-Odo Iwerekun; Oba Saka Babatunde Bakare; Oba Akeem Animashaun Ojomu, the Ojomu of Lakowe Land; Oba Talabi Odugbesan, the Onidebojo of Debojo Kingdom; Oba Muideen Babatunde Adebowale Balogun, the Onisolu of Solu-Alade; Oba Toheeb Yissa Abidemi Oyedele, the Onimedu of Orimedu Land; Oba Olayemi Lukman Arowolo, the Gbadewolu of Araromi Kingdom; Oba Abdulhakeem Olokodana; Oba Adeleke Akibu I, Oba of Lepia with other key stakeholders and community representatives.