The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has issued a warning to individuals and groups against conferring Islamic chieftaincy titles without the approval of its leadership. In an official disclaimer dated September 24, 2026, the league stated that it does not authorise individuals or groups to confer such titles on its behalf. The league urged Muslims and the general public in Yorubaland to verify the authenticity of any individual or group before accepting any Islamic chieftaincy title.
The league noted that it has come to its notice that some individuals and groups have cultivated the habit of embarking on unbridled conferment of titles which bear resemblance to, or are identical with, distinguished Islamic chieftaincy titles historically conferred by the constituted leadership of the league. This practice has been condemned by the league, which emphasised that it will not compromise the unity of the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land was established in 1964 through the initiative of Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and other founding fathers across the then Western Region of Nigeria. For over six decades, the league has served as a historic umbrella institution for Imams, Alfas and Muslim communities throughout Yoruba Land. The league has worked to promote Islamic brotherhood, unity, peace, moderation, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among Muslims and between Muslims and other communities.
The league's disclaimer was signed by several prominent Islamic leaders, including Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ekiti and President of the league, Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola, Chief Imam of Ogun State and Vice President, and Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, the Grand Mufti of Yoruba Land. Other signatories include Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun, Chief Imam of Osun State, and Sheikh Dr. AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, Chief Imam of Ondo State.
The league charged Muslims in Yorubaland to be vigilant and verify the authenticity of any individual or group before accepting any Islamic chieftaincy title. This, it said, is necessary to prevent the unauthorised conferment of titles and to maintain the unity and integrity of the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland. The league also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, corporate organisations, philanthropists and the general public to be cautious when dealing with individuals or groups claiming to confer Islamic chieftaincy titles.
The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has been recognised as the umbrella body serving Muslims across the six South-Western States of Nigeria. The league's leadership has called on Muslims and the general public to support its efforts to promote Islamic unity and prevent the misuse of Islamic chieftaincy titles. By doing so, the league aims to maintain the trust and confidence of the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland.
The league's warning is a timely intervention to prevent the proliferation of unauthorised Islamic chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland. By verifying the authenticity of individuals or groups conferring such titles, Muslims and the general public can help to maintain the integrity of Islamic institutions and promote unity and cooperation among Muslims in Yorubaland.
Key points
- The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has warned against the unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles.
- The league has urged Muslims and the general public to verify the authenticity of individuals or groups before accepting any Islamic chieftaincy title.
- The league was established in 1964 to promote Islamic brotherhood, unity, and peaceful coexistence among Muslims and between Muslims and other communities.
