The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has issued a disclaimer warning against the unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles associated with the organisation. The disclaimer, dated September 24, 2026, was issued in response to the proliferation of fake titles. According to the League, the titles have historically been conferred to recognise Muslims who demonstrated outstanding service, commitment, sacrifice and contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land.
The League listed current holders of its distinguished Yoruba Land Islamic chieftaincy titles, including Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola (OFR) as Baba Adinni of Yoruba Land, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola D-Darmak as Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, and Asiwaju (Dr.) Khamis Olatunde Badmus as Asiwaju Adinni of Yoruba Land. Other current holders include Alhaja Sekinat Adekola as Iya Adinni of Yoruba Land, Alhaja Chief Sedeekat Bolade Aderibigbe as Iyalode Adinni of Yoruba Land, and Alhaji Mustapha AbdulRahman Abiola Zico as Borokinni Adinni of Yoruba Land.
The League identified late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, as a past holder of the title of Baba Adinni of Yoruba Land. Abiola received the title in the 1980s from clerics of the League. Following Abiola's death, the title was conferred on Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola. The League also identified late AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao as the first holder of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land title, installed in 1980.
The League listed other past holders of its titles, including late AbdulYekinni Adeojo as Seriki Adinni of Yoruba Land and Sheikh Akinola Garuba, OON, the late Grand Chief Imam of Lagos and former Vice President of the League. The continuity of the titles, according to the League, showed that they formed part of its established heritage and institutional traditions and should not be duplicated or misrepresented.
The League's warning is a response to recent reports of unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles. The organisation emphasised that its titles should not be presented to the public as though they were conferred by the League when they were not. The League's disclaimer aims to maintain the integrity and authenticity of its titles and prevent their misuse.
The current holders of the League's titles have been recognised for their contributions to Islam and the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land. The League's list of current and past holders serves as a reference point for verifying the authenticity of its titles. The organisation's efforts to protect its titles and heritage reflect its commitment to preserving the integrity of Islamic chieftaincy titles in Yoruba Land.
The League's action has implications for individuals and organisations conferring unauthorised Islamic chieftaincy titles. The warning is a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity of titles and the need for transparency in the conferment of such titles. By taking a stand against fake titles, the League aims to promote accountability and respect for Islamic traditions and institutions.
Key points
- The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has warned against the unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles.
- The League listed current and past holders of its distinguished Yoruba Land Islamic chieftaincy titles.
- The warning aims to maintain the integrity and authenticity of Islamic chieftaincy titles in Yoruba Land.
