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From Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, have urged community leaders and traditional institutions across the state to intensify efforts at mobilising residents to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made on Tuesday at the Lagos Baales Forum (community heads), which featured special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr Hamzat, as well as deliberations on strengthening collaboration between traditional institutions and the state government.
Speaking at the gathering, Hamzat, who was represented by the immediate past Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, emphasised the strategic role of traditional rulers in promoting civic engagement and strengthening democratic participation at the grassroots.
He described traditional leaders as a vital link between government and the people, noting that their influence remains crucial in sustaining peace, unity and development across communities.
According to him, the Lagos State Government remains committed to supporting traditional institutions to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“The traditional institution plays a critical role in maintaining peace, promoting development and fostering unity across our communities. The government will continue to support and promote the welfare of our royal fathers,” he said.
In his remarks, Ojelabi commended members of the Lagos Baales Forum for their contributions to community development and grassroots mobilisation, urging them to sustain their engagement with residents ahead of the 2027 elections.
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The APC chairman assured the traditional leaders that the party would continue to value their input and recommendations in shaping policies and governance initiatives across the state.
Also speaking, the Convener of the Lagos Baales Forum, Dr Seyi Bamigbade, charged community leaders to take an active role in encouraging eligible residents to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He stressed that active participation in the voter registration process was essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring that citizens could effectively exercise their electoral rights in the forthcoming general elections.
Bamigbade also 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, the Oba Elect of Ijeododo Kingdom and Chairman of the Baales Forum, High Chief Abu Jelili Ododo, pledged the forum’s support for initiatives aimed at increasing voter participation across Lagos State.
He assured that the extensive grassroots network of Baales would be deployed to mobilise residents for voter registration and participation in future elections, describing traditional institutions as indispensable partners in promoting peace, unity and progress.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, political leaders and key stakeholders committed to deepening cooperation between government and grassroots communities in Lagos State.
