Traditional Baales drawn from the three senatorial districts of Oyo State have come together to formally establish the Oyo State Traditional Baales Forum, with a commitment to strengthen the traditional institution, promote unity among community chiefs and enhance development across their respective domains.
The maiden meeting, which was hosted by the Association of Traditional Baales Ibadanland, led by Baale Folorunso Durojaye Bamitale Ige, JP, Baale Olohunde Ige, was held on Wednesday at the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Ibadan House , Oke Aremo, Ibadan. It brought together Baales from Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Ibadan.
The Baales described the formation of the forum as timely, stressing that a united platform would enable them to effectively perform their traditional and community responsibilities while providing a common voice in their engagement with government and other stakeholders.
Discussions at the meeting centred largely on the need for Baales to work together, share information and coordinate their activities to ensure that development reaches communities across the state.
The participants also identified the need for greater collaboration among Baales, security agencies and relevant government authorities in tackling insecurity, banditry and other security challenges in communities. They stressed that, because of their closeness to the grassroots and intimate knowledge of their communities, Baales are strategically positioned to provide useful information, encourage vigilance and support efforts to prevent criminal activities.
Speakers recalled that Baales had historically served as important channels of communication between government and local communities, noting that governments in the past often relied on community chiefs to disseminate information and mobilise their people because of their proximity to the grassroots.
They argued that restoring and strengthening that role would make it easier for governments at the federal, state and local levels to communicate with communities, identify emerging challenges and respond more effectively to the needs of the people.
The participants also emphasised that the forum was not established to compete with or undermine traditional rulers or government institutions, but to create a platform through which Baales could collectively pursue legitimate interests and contribute more effectively to community development.
A major concern raised at the meeting was the welfare and protection of Baales, particularly in situations where community chiefs face disputes or challenges in the discharge of their traditional responsibilities.
Participants cited instances in which Baales had allegedly faced suspension, replacement or other forms of pressure, stressing the need for the association to develop the capacity to defend its members through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
They disclosed plans to formally register the body at both the state and federal levels and establish legal support mechanisms for members who may encounter legitimate legal disputes in the course of performing their duties.
The forum also called for stronger cooperation among Baales in different parts of the state, particularly in areas where community chiefs are yet to be effectively organised and in communities experiencing security breaches, banditry and other threats to peace and safety.
The meeting further revealed plans to extend the initiative beyond Oyo State through the proposed South-West Traditional Baales Forum, which is expected to be formally launched in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on October 7.
The proposed regional body is expected to bring together Baales from across the South-West and provide a broader platform for cooperation, information sharing and the advancement of community interests.
Participants said the growing network of Baales, including their existing digital platforms, would make communication and coordination easier, while urging members to remain united and committed to the objectives of the initiative.
The Baales maintained that their strength would come from unity and collective action rather than confrontation, expressing optimism that the new structure would elevate the status of community chiefs and enable them to contribute more meaningfully to the development of their communities.
They therefore urged Baales across Oyo State to close ranks, organise themselves at the grassroots and sustain the momentum generated by the inaugural gathering.
The participants expressed confidence that, with the support of traditional institutions, government and community stakeholders, the new forum would become a strong and constructive voice for rural communities across Oyo State and, eventually, the wider South-West.
