A verification exercise to ascertain the number of approved traditional chiefs, also known as baales, across Ogun State, will soon be embarked upon by the state government.

The exercise is also aimed at exposing those who are illegally parading themselves as baales in communities in the state.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko, who revealed this on Wednesday in Abeokuta during the quarterly meeting of the Ogun State Council of Obas. He said that the State Government would not hesitate to sanction anyone parading himself as baale without government’s approval.

“We are going to carry out verification exercise, where we will check our records with the council of Obas, to ascertain those who are recognised from those who are not.

Anyone found parading himself as baale, without government approval, will be sanctioned, while those aiding them, will also be delisted,” Ojuko said.

He commissioner also advised monarchs in the state to demonstrate love and respect for one another, so as to promote and sustain the custom and tradition of the people.

Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has charged security agencies to curtail activities of militants terrorising residents of riverine areas in the state.

The governor stated this today while receiving the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), overseeing the South West region, Foluso Adebanjo in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta office.

Amosun, who harped on the need for proactive measures to be taken to nip criminal activities in the bud, expressed confidence that the Police and other security agencies are up to the task.

He commended the efforts of the state Police Command in maintaining peace and order and solicited for an increase in the number of Police zones in the state, in addition to more Police presence in the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

While also assuring that Ogun State would not be a comfort zone for criminals, Amosun announced that the state would give two additional Armoured Personnel Carrier (APCs) and Hilux patrol vans to the police.

Speaking earlier, Adebanjo said he was in Ogun State to assess and proffer solutions to the crime rate in the geo-political region on the orders of the Inspector General of Police.

He lauded the developmental strides of the state government, commending the state governor for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Update news