THE FIFTH BAALE OF MAJIDUN, ALEX OLUSEGUN OMOLEYE

 

The fifth baale of Majidun, Ikorodu West NCDA, Lagos, Alex Olusegun Omoleye is a humanitarian, a leader with concern for his community.

Previously on the 26th of December, 2023, He presented outstanding service award to prestigious individuals in recognition for their selfless service to the community during CBN cashless policy.

The fifth baale of Majidun, Alex Omoleye was born in 1960, he attended Local Authority Primary School at Ikorodu, which was later changed to Local Government Primary School then he attended Early Modern Primary School.

He went to Federal Government Teachers College for his secondary education and later to the University of Abeokuta.

He mentioned that before then, he did a diploma in Nigerian Institute of Management Technology, Aba to study accounting, which he did for two years.

Baale Alex Omoleye taught for the Lagos state government and became Director of Education before retiring in 2016. He then took up the leadership of being the 5th baale on the 9th of January, 2018.

In this interview, the baale of Majidun shares his experience and challenge as a leader, his history, community festivals in Majidun, his opinions on the present government and his religion.

 

What is your experience as a leader in your community?

Though being in this position is hectic, but is also eventful, I was concerned about my community and desired to create solutions to the issues that concerns it's people and that made me become the baale to make those things happen.

 

When did you settle in Majidun?

My forefathers were the first settlers of the Majidun community, and they gave the community the name “Majidun”.

The first settlers(fore-generations) hailed from the riverline areas of Ondo state and they arrived here in search of local woods used in building during 1896. 

They supplied it to other riverline areas in Lagos, it's suburbs and other parts of Nigeria. 

They finally settled down in Majidun during 1903, they were purely fishermans and they carry their goods to Lagos, Epe, Mokun market and other aspects of Nigeria.

 

What has been your challenge as the baale?

My challenge being baale is the difficulty of administering the effects of culture in the lives of Majidun people.

Civilization has taken over the traditional and cultural way to life. Traditional rulers are now seen as figural representatives with little authority.

We also have different people of respective culture so it won't be easy administering your culture and regulations on them.

 

How are others in support of your rulership?

Well, we are pre- dominantly part of Ikorodu west though it have been separated into ikorodu west and other five NCDA. Ikorodu west is part of them and we are part of them. 

Ikorodu west is called the Ikorodu west because it's made up of different tribes like the Ileya, Ekiti, Ijebu, Ibadan and the rest.

 

What are common festivals celebrated in Majidun?

We have three common festivals celebrated in Majidun, these are the Oduarugbo day which celebrate indigenous ancient or elders; the first settlers, not to forget the remembrance of the ancient and to take care of them.

There is the Oduolokun day, when the forefathers sacrificed to the water goddess for grace in catching good harvest of fishes. 

The third festival, Ojuolokun day which is now celebrated on Easter Monday, activities such as traditional wrestling, swimming, boat riding, fishing and egungun festivals takes place in the festival.

 

What are your opinions on the present government?

The government responsibility is to do best and we can't assess them because the assessment is based on their performance. 

The situation is terrible, everybody is feeling the heat, It's also our responsibility from a parent to people at the top in the country to one way or another create solutions to problems. 

Our economy is going down, there's hunger on the streets, no job opportunities, increase in the killing of innocents, yahoo and cultism all over Nigeria.

 

How do you combine what comes with being baale and christianity?

What christian do is also want happen in tradition. The Christianity foundation is backed in tradition.

It's all about the improvement of life, a man that prays is searching for peace and so is he that offer sacrifices. 

I don't see the difference in the two, he that goes to church and the one that goes to shrine offer prayers to the almighty God, they both believe in God. 

For traditionalist, the Ogun, orisha are small gods, agents of God such as christians pray in the name of Jesus. 

I believe in both, and being in peace. What I want is to arrive at solutions for mankind and lead people and my community to the right path.

Thank you for your time.

Answer: You are welcome.