Yoruba Muslim Leaders Warn Against Unauthorised Chieftaincy Titles

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has warned individuals and groups against conferring Islamic chieftaincy titles historically associated with the organisation without the approval of its constituted leadership.

The warning was contained in a disclaimer dated September 24 and signed by the President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, alongside other senior Muslim leaders across the South-West.

The League said it had become concerned about the activities of groups presenting themselves as authorised to confer titles traditionally associated with its leadership.

It said the titles had historically been used to recognise Muslims for outstanding service, commitment, sacrifice and contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim community in Yoruba Land.

The organisation, established in 1964 through the initiative of Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and other Muslim leaders across the former Western Region, said it had operated for more than six decades as an umbrella body for Imams, Alfas and Muslim communities in Yoruba Land.

It said no individual, society, association or group was authorised to present itself as an organ, affiliate, representative or authorised arm of the League without the express approval of its constituted leadership.

The League particularly expressed concern about the reproduction or conferment of titles traditionally reserved for distinguished members of the Muslim community, including cases where recipients might not be Muslims.

It said such practices could create confusion about the identity, meaning and authority attached to the titles.

The organisation, however, clarified that its position was not directed at any individual and that it did not oppose legitimate recognition of deserving Nigerians by lawful societies, traditional institutions or community organisations.

It said organisations remained free to create and confer their own honours within their lawful spheres, but urged anyone seeking to use or publicly associate its established titles with their activities to obtain clarification and written approval from its leadership.

The League also advised Muslims, traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, corporate organisations and members of the public to verify claims by individuals or groups purporting to act under its authority.