Insecurity: Ogun PDP Aspirant Seeks Devolution of Powers to Local Chiefs

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Mr. Segun Sowunmi, has called for devolution of powers to local traditional chiefs, also known as Baales, in order to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

Sowunmi noted that Baales are the first level of security in their areas and there is a need for administrative and legal structures, empowering them to carry out their duties.

He spoke in Abeokuta during a consultation meeting with Baales in Egbaland, as part of his move to realise his 2023 electoral ambition.

The Baales were drawn from Obafemi Owode, Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Ifo, Ewekoro, all Local Government Areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District.

Sowunmi said Baales are not in contention with the monarchs and should be allowed to perform their roles to drive the security and development at the grassroots.

He said: “I am particularly concerned that we have not been able to find an administrative structure to accommodate Baales and take advantage of the closest they are to the people and the proximity to the land and it has cost us gravely.

“Part of the reason we have not been able to secure our fringes is because we have not given any responsibility to our Baales. It is time now to create a framework where the Baales will have bigger roles according to the procedures of the service in such a way that we know that these are the responsibilities that they have and the wherewithal we have given them to be able to carry out the duties.

“If we must be secured, if we must develop evenly, if we must be prosperous, then we must figure out how to devolve more powers to the Baales.”