Yoruba Imams, Alfas Warn Against Unauthorised Islamic Chieftaincy Titles

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland has warned against conferment of unauthirised Islamic chieftaincy titles on any individual.

The league while noting that it did not authorise individuals or groups to confer Islamic chieftaincy titles on any individual on its behalf, added that it was not part of such unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles or activities.

The clerics made these declarations in a statement signed by Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, Chief Imam of Ekiti (President), Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola, Chief Imam of Ogun State (Vice President), Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, Chief Imam of Oyo State (Grand Life Patron), Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun (Chief Imam of Osun State) and Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, Chief Imam of Ondo State among others.

They explained that it had come to its notice that some individuals and groups have recently embarked upon the conferment of titles which bear resemblance to, or were identical with, distinguished Islamic chieftaincy titles historically conferred by the constituted leadership of the league.

The league while appealing to Muslims in Yorubaland to verify the authenticity of any individual or group before accepting any Islamic chieftaincy title, declared that it would not compromise the unity of the Muslim Ummah in Yorubaland.

“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land hereby issues this official disclaimer to the entire Muslim Ummah, traditional institutions, governments, corporate organisations, community leaders, philanthropists and the general public concerning the recent activities of a society/group which has been presenting itself as having the authority to confer Islamic chieftaincy titles traditionally associated with the League.

“The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land, established in 1964 through the initiative of the revered Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory and other founding fathers across the then Western Region of Nigeria, has for over six decades served as a historic umbrella institution for Imams, Alfas and Muslim communities throughout Yoruba Land. Contemporary reports have likewise identified the League as the recognised umbrella body serving Muslims across the six South-Western States.

“The League has, throughout its history, worked to promote Islamic brotherhood, unity, peace, moderation, mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among Muslims and between Muslims and other communities in Yoruba Land. It has therefore come to our attention with serious concern that certain individuals or groups have recently embarked upon the conferment of titles which bear resemblance to, or are identical with, distinguished Islamic chieftaincy titles historically conferred by the constituted leadership of the League.

“We consider it necessary to place the following facts on record. The conferment of distinguished Islamic chieftaincy titles by the League has historically been undertaken as a means of recognising Muslims who have demonstrated outstanding service, commitment, sacrifice and contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land,” part of the statement read.

They warned that the unity of the Muslim Ummah, the integrity of its institutional heritage, or the peaceful environment which Yoruba Land has enjoyed for decades would not be compromised.

They also reaffirmed commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of differences, “We have no desire to create unnecessary division among Yoruba people or between religious communities.

“Rather, our objective is to prevent confusion, protect institutional integrity and preserve the long-standing harmony among the people of Yoruba land.”