Yoruba Muslim leaders warn against unauthorised chieftaincy titles

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has cautioned against unapproved Islamic chieftaincy titles. The organization cautioned against individuals and groups conferring such titles without the approval of its leadership. The warning came in an official disclaimer signed by the league's president, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, and other senior Muslim leaders.

The league warned that such practices could lead to confusion about the titles' identity, meaning, and authority. The league, established in 1964, is an umbrella institution for Imams, Alfas, and Muslim communities across Yoruba Land. It has been promoting Islamic brotherhood, unity, peace, moderation, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence for over six decades.

The league emphasized that no individual, society, association, or group is authorized to represent itself as an organ, affiliate, representative, or authorized arm of the League without the express approval of its constituted leadership. The concern was especially with situations where titles reserved for distinguished Muslims were conferred indiscriminately, including to non-Muslims.

The league urged Muslims, traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and members of the public to verify claims about the authority or mandate of individuals or organizations acting under the League.