LEAGUE OF IMAMS WARNS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED ISLAMIC TITLES

** **The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States has warned against the unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles associated with the organisation.

In a statement signed by the League’s President and Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, the body urged Muslims, traditional rulers, government authorities and the public to verify claims that such titles were conferred on its behalf.

The League said it had become concerned about groups allegedly issuing titles identical or similar to those historically established by the organisation. It maintained that no individual, mosque committee, Islamic society or cultural association could confer its regional titles without approval from the League’s supreme council.

The organisation explained that the titles were created to recognise Muslims who had made significant contributions to Islam and the welfare of Muslim communities across Yorubaland.

Among the current titleholders listed by the League are Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola as Baba Adinni of Yorubaland and Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola as Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland. Other recognised titles include Asiwaju Adinni, Iya Adinni, Iyalode Adinni, Borokinni Adinni, Seriki Adinni, Giwa Adinni and Balogun Adinni.

The League also identified the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as a former Baba Adinni of Yorubaland and the late AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao as the pioneer Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

The body said the clarification was intended to protect the integrity of its established titles while noting that it did not oppose legitimate recognition by other lawful organisations or traditional institutions.