…Revokes Old Baale Certificates, Introduces Secure Digital Recognition and Customary Rights of Occupancy
In a decisive move to permanently resolve the perennial disputes surrounding Baale identification and land ownership across communities in Ewekoro Local Government , the administration of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, has formally announced the digitalization of Baale Certificates of Recognition alongside the issuance of Certificates of Customary Right of Occupancy (CRO).
Welcoming traditional rulers, community leaders, legislators, security agencies, political functionaries and other stakeholders, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa described the occasion as a historic milestone in the evolution of governance in Ewekoro Local Governmen.
“Today marks the day our administration showcases its resolve to confront the challenges militating against our traditional institution and land ownership system. Through progressive policies, we are strengthening our traditional institutions, securing land ownership for our people, and fostering peace and tranquility across Ewekoro Local Government,” he stated.
Hon. Adesina revealed that his administration uncovered serious administrative lapses and certificate racketeering, particularly in Baaleship and other chieftaincy documentation, leading to multiple recognitions and widespread disputes.
He emphasized that since national and state security challenges often originate at the grassroots, they must be addressed locally using technical and preventive measures.
“As a responsible grassroots government, we have resolved to introduce administrative measures that will drastically reduce these anomalies to the barest minimum, if not eliminate them entirely,” he said.
Explaining the new policy, the Chairman stated that the Digitalized Baale Certificate of Recognition, equipped with stringent security features, will effectively curb certificate forgery, prevent multiple recognitions within the same community, and standardize Baaleship documentation across the local government
On land administration, Hon. Adesina explained that the Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy is designed to secure traditional land ownership in accordance with the Land Use Act of 1978 (Sections 2, 6 and 21), which empowers local governments to issue such documents
“The affordability and accessibility of this document will encourage proper land documentation and protect rightful landowners from the menace of land grabbing, which often escalates into serious security threats,” he added.
The Chairman also commended the 7th Legislative Council of Ewekoro Local Government, led by the Leader of the House, Hon. Abiola Muheeb Kehinde, for their diligence during the screening and verification of Baales, noting that the exercise laid the foundation for the introduction of a standardized and secure digital certificate.
In a major policy pronouncement, Hon. Adesina declared that any Baale who failed to appear or was not verified during the screening exercise conducted by the Legislative Council now has his Certificate of Recognition revoked and ceases to be recognized as a Baale in Ewekoro Local Government.
He further announced that all previously issued Baale Certificates of Recognition have been officially derecognized with immediate effect and will be replaced with the newly introduced Digitalized Certificates of Recognition.
The Chairman appealed to security agencies to take note of the pronouncements and assist in the lawful enforcement of the policy.
Speaking at the event, the Olu of Itori, Oba (Dr.) Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo, expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa for his visionary leadership, describing the initiative as timely and transformative.
The highly respected monarch praised the Chairman for replicating the developmental agenda of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, at the local government level, noting that the digitalization of Baale certificates and issuance of customary rights of occupancy would bring lasting solutions to chieftaincy and land disputes.
Oba Akamo urged residents to embrace the initiative, describing it as the only permanent solution to long-standing conflicts over Baale authenticity and land ownership.
He also commended the 7th Legislative Council, political appointees and career officers for their cooperation, loyalty and professionalism
In their separate remarks, Oba Umar Ajibola , the Olu of Afowowa Sogaade , Oba (Dr.) Oluwaseyi Adediran, Towulade of Akinaale, Oba Mathew Ayinde Ajibulu , Olu of Onigbedu and Oba Oluwsesan Ajani Ogunmuyiwa , Elejio of Ejio unanimously applauded the Chairman for the innovation, describing it as a bold step toward eliminating land grabbing, restoring confidence in traditional institutions and ensuring social stability in Ewekoro Local Government.
The Chairman of the Council of Baales in Ewekoro Local Government, Chief Lukmon Olalekan, expressed gratitude on behalf of all Baales, pledging full compliance with the new directive and reaffirming their commitment to peace and lawful administration.
The Divisional Police officer, Ewekoro Local Government, CPS Oladapo Ojekunle, stated that the move was the best and good development, while urging the present administration to ensure continuity of the new initiative by laying solid foundation for the successive administrations to follow suit.
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