The Ogun State Government has issued sound warning to over 1,700 Baales who are yet to register to desist from parading themselves as legitimate or face the consequences.
Governor Dapo Abiodun who disclosed this during the 5th Oko Ilu Day Celebration of the State Council of Baales, held in Abeokuta, noted that his administration would continue to see those who are yet to register as illegitimate Baales.
He revealed that about 1700 Baales have registered in the state and also that there are still over 1,700 yet to be registered while imploring those who are yet to register to do so, as our administration will see them as illegitimate Baales.
“Let them go and meet their prescribed authorities so they can also become legitimate Baales,” the Governor said.
Abiodun stated further that his administration would discuss with the Council of Traditional Rulers in the state on the need to have a payment structure for Baales in the state, and also look at a way of funding the traditional council.
He, however, charged the Council of Baales to educate their subjects on the need to collect their Permanent Voter’s Card, urging them not to allow any form of thuggery within their environments.
“We are preparing for the 2023 general election, you are the closest to the grassroot, help us to urge our people to get their permanent voter’s cards, most of our permanent voter’s card are still with the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“If you don’t have your permanent voter’s cards, you can’t vote, if you are happy with what we are doing, it is with your permanent voter’s card you can tell us you appreciate us, therefore, tell your people to get their PVCs.
“We have lowered the political temperature, we have been very tolerant of everyone and every political party, because that is who we are in Ogun State.
“Don’t give any room to thugs in your various communities, don’t allow your children to be used as thugs during the election, because anyone that is involved in thuggery will be dealt with,” the governor submitted.
Abiodun, while calling on the Council of Baale’s to support his second term ambition, said that they shouldn’t hand the state over to anyone who has nothing to offer.