YORUBA MUSLIM BODY REJECTS UNAUTHORISED ISLAMIC TITLES

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The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has warned individuals and groups against conferring Islamic chieftaincy titles associated with the organisation without approval from its recognised leadership.

The warning was contained in a statement dated September 24 and signed by the league’s President, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, alongside other senior Muslim leaders in the South-West.

The league said some groups had been conferring titles similar or identical to those historically associated with its leadership, creating concerns over the identity and authority attached to such honours.

According to the organisation, the titles were established to recognise Muslims who had made significant contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim community in Yoruba Land.

It said no individual, society, association or group could present itself as an authorised arm or representative of the league without the express approval of its constituted leadership.

The organisation urged Muslims, traditional rulers, community leaders, government authorities, businesses and members of the public to verify claims involving titles linked to the league before recognising them.

The league clarified that its warning was not directed at any particular individual and that it was not opposed to lawful organisations or traditional institutions recognising deserving Nigerians through their own honours.

It, however, stressed that established titles associated with the league should not be presented publicly as having been approved or conferred by the organisation without proper authorisation.