By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, have stressed that the role of traditional institution is critical in maintaining peace, development, security and fostering unity across communities.

The duo however, commended traditional rulers in the state for sustaining peace, unity and promoting development in the state.

The duo spoke alongside other prominent personalities at the Lagos Baales Forum on Tuesday, that featured special prayers for President Bola Tinubu and Dr. Hamzat, with discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between traditional institutions and the state government.

Hamzat, who was represented by the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, however, assured that”Lagos State government will continue to support and promote the welfare of our royal fathers.”

He commended the traditional rulers for serving as a vital link between the government and citizens at the grassroots level.

Hamzat, who is the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 poll in Lagos, reaffirmed the commitment of the State government to creating an enabling environment for traditional rulers to effectively discharge their responsibilities, noting that they remain critical ambassadors of the government within their respective communities.

In his remarks, Ojelabi praised members of the Baales Forum for their consistent contributions to community development and grassroots mobilisation.

He assured the forum that the ruling party would continue to incorporate their views and recommendations when shaping its governance agenda for the state.

Also speaking, the Convener of the Lagos Baales Forum, Seyi Bamigbade, urged community leaders to sustain their leadership roles by mobilising residents to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercises ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed the importance of active civic participation and called on residents to support the APC at all levels to ensure continuity in governance and the consolidation of ongoing developmental programmes.

Responding on behalf of the traditional leaders, High Chief Abu Jelili Ododo (the Oba-Elect of Ijeododo Kingdom and Chairman of the Baales Forum) pledged the forum’s unwavering support for the party and its leadership.

High Chief Ododo assured that the extensive grassroots network of the Baales across Lagos would be fully deployed to mobilise millions of voters in the forthcoming elections, describing the traditional institution as an indispensable partner in sustaining peace, unity, and progress in the state.

The forum successfully brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, and key stakeholders sincerely committed to deepening cooperation between the government and grassroots communities in Lagos.