The Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, has presented digitalized certificates to Chief Adewunmi Mathew Gbenga, the Baale of Elejeri, and 49 other Baales, describing the initiative as a landmark step toward preventing multiple claims to the Baale title within the same community while ensuring global recognition for authentic traditional title holders.
The presentation took place on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Council Conference Room in Itori, Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the newly certified Baales from Obada Oko, Chief Adewunmi Mathew Gbenga, the Baale of Elejeri, expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman for introducing the initiative.
He described the digitalized certificate as a “game changer” that has restored dignity and legitimacy to the institution of Baaleship while protecting communities from impostors.
Chief Adewunmi explained that the initiative has strengthened the relationship between traditional rulers and Baales in Ewekoro Local Government, noting that every applicant must first obtain a formal letter of recognition from the prescribed traditional ruler under whose jurisdiction the community falls before becoming eligible for the digital certificate.
According to him, the process has reinforced respect for traditional institutions and ensured that only duly recognized Baales receive official certification.
The Elejeri Baale congratulated the people of his community on the milestone, saying the issuance of the digitalized certificate officially confirms him as the authentic and recognized Baale of Elejeri.
He added that the development would foster stronger collaboration between the community and the local government, attract more developmental projects, and improve communication with government authorities.
Chief Adewunmi further commended Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa for his visionary leadership, noting that the innovation would significantly reduce chieftaincy disputes and promote lasting peace across the local government.
“Today, Ewekoro Local Government is the only council in Ogun State presenting digitalized certificates to Baales. This is not by accident but the result of the uncommon wisdom of our Chairman,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa, said the initiative provides Baales with official recognition both locally and internationally.
“This is an opportunity for you to be globally recognized as authentic Baales of your communities. Though the full importance may not be immediately clear to some, it will become evident with time,” he said.
According to the Chairman, the digitalized certificate has permanently addressed the problem of multiple claims to the same Baaleship title, a challenge that has often resulted in power tussles and threatened peace in several communities.
He stressed that the local government would henceforth recognize only Baales who possess the new digitalized certificate.
Hon. Adesina assured the Baales of the council’s continued support, promising sustained collaboration with traditional rulers to promote peace, security, and sustainable development across Ewekoro Local Government.
Also speaking, Chief Ogunyinka Olugbemi, the Baale of Asipa and one of the beneficiaries, praised Hon. Adesina Sikiru Adisa for introducing the innovation, describing it as a lasting solution to chieftaincy disputes.
Chief Ogunyinka explained that each certificate contains a unique barcode that stores the complete profile of the respective Baale, making verification seamless while preventing forgery and impersonation.
He noted that the advanced security features embedded in the certificate make it far more reliable than the conventional certificates previously issued, which were vulnerable to manipulation and duplication.
He added that the digitalized certificate has already attracted attention beyond Nigeria, with experts describing it as one of the most effective methods of authenticating Baaleship and providing global recognition for legitimate traditional title holders.
