League says only its constituted leadership can approve titles historically associated with the organisation
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 league said unauthorised use or conferment of the titles could create confusion over their identity, meaning and authority.
The warning was contained in a disclaimer dated September 24, 2026, signed by the President of the league, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, and other senior Muslim leaders across the South-West.
The statement followed what the league described as the activities of “a society/group” presenting itself as having the authority to confer Islamic chieftaincy titles traditionally associated with the League.
According to the league, some individuals and groups had begun conferring titles “which bear resemblance to, or are identical with, distinguished Islamic chieftaincy titles historically conferred by the constituted leadership of the League.”
It explained that the titles had historically been used to recognise Muslims for outstanding service, commitment, sacrifice and contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land.
The league said it was established in 1964 through the initiative of Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and other founding fathers across the then Western Region.
It added that, for more than six decades, it had served as an umbrella institution for Imams, Alfas and Muslim communities across Yoruba Land, promoting Islamic brotherhood, unity, peace, moderation and harmonious coexistence.
The organisation 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.
“Similarly, any person or group purporting to confer the League’s established Islamic chieftaincy titles without the authority of the constituted leadership of the League should not be understood or represented as acting on behalf of the League,” it stated.
The league expressed particular concern over situations where titles historically reserved for distinguished members of the Muslim Ummah were reproduced or conferred indiscriminately, including instances where recipients might not be Muslims.
“Such practices can create misunderstanding concerning the identity, meaning and authority attached to these titles,” it said.
However, the organisation stressed that its position was not directed at any individual and that it was not opposed to legitimate recognition of deserving Nigerians by lawful societies, traditional institutions or community organisations.
“Every organisation remains free to operate within its lawful sphere and to create its own appropriate honours,” the statement added.
The league said its concern was the use or reproduction of established titles associated with it in a manner that could lead the public to believe that such titles were conferred, approved or originated from the League when they were not.
It urged Muslims, traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, corporate organisations, philanthropists and members of the public to verify claims that individuals or organisations were acting under the authority or mandate of the League.
The organisation also advised anyone seeking to use, reproduce, confer or publicly associate its established Islamic chieftaincy titles with their activities to obtain clarification and written approval from its constituted leadership before proceeding.
The statement was jointly signed by Sheikh Kewulere; Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola, Chief Imam of Ogun State and Vice President; Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, Chief Imam of Oyo State and Grand Life Patron; Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun, Chief Imam of Osun State; Sheikh Dr AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, Chief Imam of Ondo State; Sheikh Seifudeen Oloworibi Ademoritan, Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chairman, Rabita, Lagos; Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, Mudiru-l-Markaz and Chairman, Board of Trustees; Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land; and Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat, Secretary General of the League.