LAGOS STATE GOVT URGES CALM IN IBEJU-LEKKI, ISSUES STERN WARNING ON UNAUTHORISED BAALE INSTALLATIONS

In an effort to promote lasting peace and unity in Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities, the Lagos State Government held a high-level stakeholders’ meeting with traditional rulers from the area on Thursday.

The meeting, which took place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development in Alausa, Ikeja, was presided over by the Honourable Commissioner, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, in attendance.

Prompted by rising tensions and multiple petitions—particularly concerning the installation of Baales and boundary-related issues—the dialogue aimed to address these concerns. Commissioner Robert stressed that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will not condone any actions that threaten peace or violate chieftaincy laws 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,”

‎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 traditionala uthorities, 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 rulers to return to their communities with a renewed dedication to peace, constructive dialogue, and adherence to the law, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving tradition within legal boundaries.

‎Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, Oba Tajudeen Afolabi Elemoro thanked the State Government for its timely intervention and assured the collective support of traditional leaders in resolving disputes and maintaining lasting peace.

The meeting was also attended by the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Engr. Sesan Olowa, as well as several royal fathers, including 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; and Oba Adeleke Akibu I, the Oba of Lepia, among other key stakeholders and community representatives.