Yoruba Muslim leaders warn against unauthorised chieftaincy titles

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has cautioned against unauthorized issuance of Islamic chieftaincy titles historically linked to the league without the approval of its leadership. The league cautioned that such actions could lead to confusion regarding the titles' identity, meaning, and authority. The warning came in a statement dated September 24, 2026, signed by the league's president, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, and other senior Muslim leaders in the South-West.

The notice was directed at a group posing as an authority to confer titles traditionally conferred by the league. The league pointed out that such titles have been awarded to recognize Muslims for their "outstanding service, commitment, sacrifice, and contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land." The league was formed in 1964 by Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and other founding fathers from the Western Region.

Its mission has been to promote Islamic brotherhood, unity, peace, moderation, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence among Muslims and other communities. The league emphasized that no individual, society, association, or group has the right to represent itself as an organ, affiliate, representative, or authorized arm of the league without the express approval of its leadership.

The league expressed concern over indiscriminate conferment of titles, especially when recipients may not be Muslims. Such practices could create misunderstandings about the titles' identity, meaning, and authority. The league clarified that its stance was not against any individual but against the misuse of established titles. It urged Muslims, traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and the public to verify claims about the approval or authorization of individuals or organizations using the league's titles.