League of Imams Yorubaland denies involvement in unauthorized Islamic title conferment
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has declared it is not involved in the unauthorized conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles on individuals in Yorubaland. In a statement signed by senior Islamic leaders including Chief Imams of Ekiti, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Ondo states, the league appealed to Muslims, traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, corporate organisations, philanthropists and the general public to verify the authenticity of any individual or group before accepting any Islamic chieftaincy title.
The organisation emphasized that it does not authorise individuals or groups to confer Islamic chieftaincy titles on its behalf, stating that no person or group can represent itself as an organ, affiliate, or authorised arm of the League without express approval from its constituted leadership. The League expressed concern that titles historically reserved for distinguished Muslims are being reproduced indiscriminately, including circumstances where recipients may not belong to the Muslim faith, which can create misunderstanding about the identity and meaning of these titles.
While affirming that every organisation remains free to operate within its lawful sphere and create its own honours, the League warned that using or reproducing its established titles in a manner capable of causing the public to believe such titles were conferred by, approved by, or originated from the League is unacceptable. The League advised anyone wishing to use, reproduce, confer or publicly associate any of its established Islamic chieftaincy titles with activities to seek clarification and written approval from its constituted leadership before proceeding, reaffirming its commitment to promoting Islamic values, unity, peaceful coexistence and welfare of the Muslim Ummah throughout Yorubaland.
Will you now verify the authenticity of any Islamic chieftaincy title before accepting it, and encourage others in your community to do the same to prevent confusion and protect institutional integrity?