EWEKORO LG FLAGS OFF REVOLUTIONARY DIGITALIZED BAALES' CERTIFICATES, PIONEERS ANTI-FORGERY INITIATIVE IN THE COUNCIL AREA

 By Olopade Sakiru 

In a landmark move set to transform traditional leadership documentation ,  Ewekoro Local Government has become the first council in Ogun State to introduce a fully digitalized Baales’ Certificate of Recognition.

The Executive Chairman, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, formally flagged off the initiative with the presentation of the new tamper-proof certificates to the pioneer set of Baales at the Council’s Conference Room, Local Government Secretariat, Itori.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Adesina described the rollout as “a new dawn” in the history of local government administration in the state. 

He highlighted the certificate’s advanced security features, noting that all relevant information on the Baale is embedded electronically and can be instantly verified by scanning.

“This certificate cannot be forged by anyone. It goes beyond a mere paper document; it is globally recognized and positions our traditional leaders in the modern digital era,” the Chairman stated.

He emphasized that the innovation formalizes the process and sets a benchmark for other local governments to emulate. 

“Any Baale who fails to obtain this digitalized certificate will not be recognized as authentic,” Hon. Adesina warned.

The Chairman further explained that the new system provides a permanent solution to the recurring problem of multiple Baales laying claim to the same community — a challenge that has long plagued many areas. 

He expressed confidence that other councils would soon adopt the model.

Welcoming guests, the Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Ige Samuel, congratulated the pioneer Baales and declared the initiative “the first of its kind in the history of local governments in Nigeria.” 

He added that Ewekoro is now going fully digital with Baales’ certificates, enabling their recognition “all over the world.”

The Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adewale Aladeselu (JP), noted that the lingering issue of duplicate Baales prompted the Chairman to develop this lasting solution. 

He urged the new Baales to promote peace and unity in their domains while shunning any actions that could disrupt communal harmony.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of the other  three Baales, Chief Salami Adewale Abdulai, Baale of Araromi Alaatika, Itori, expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Adesina for the initiative, which he said would once and for all eliminate fake certificates and multiple claims.

The Coordinating Baale, Chief Egbetokun Abdulrasaq (Baale of Onibotuje, Wasimi), who received Certificate No. 001, lauded the Chairman for ushering in “a new dawn.” 

He described the embedded features as a definitive answer to the menace of counterfeit certificates.

The first set of Baales presented with the digitalized certificates are:

Chief Egbetokun Abdulrasaq – Baale of Onibotuje, Wasimi (Certificate No. 001)

Chief Oyedokun Surajudeen Samson – Baale of Boosero Village, Itori

Chief Odekunle Lukumon Ajasa – Baale of Alumo Isale, Mosan

Chief Salami Adewale Abdulai – Baale of Araromi Alaatika, Itori

The event was witnessed by top council officials, including the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Adewale Aladeselu (JP); Supervisor for Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Sulaimon Bello; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Ige Samuel; Acting Director of Finance and Supply, Mrs. Alaran Morufat;  other principal officers and the Council’s Information crew.

This pioneering digital initiative by Ewekoro Local Government underscores its commitment to innovation, transparency, and the modernization of traditional institutions for the benefit of communities in the council area.