The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has cautioned against the unauthorised installation of a market leader in Oyo State, declaring such actions illegal and without effect.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch specifically warned one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, also known as Olaiya, to stop parading himself as the Babaloja (market leader) of Oyo.

According to the palace, the self-proclamation and installation did not follow due process and lacked royal approval.

“It should be noted that any chieftaincy title, or their equivalents, conferred without the approval of His Imperial Majesty… is illegal, null, and void,” the statement said.

The palace stressed that it would not recognise any appointment made outside established traditional procedures and advised the individual to immediately cease presenting himself as a market leader.

It also warned the public against engaging with him in any official capacity, noting that anyone who does so would be acting at their own risk.

The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining order and preserving the integrity of traditional institutions in the Oyo Kingdom.