The Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has distanced itself from Ambassador Muhammed Arigbabuwo, dismissing his claim as chairman of a supposed Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in the region.
The association, through the secretary-general, Oba Abdulrahim Jimoh Alao Yusuf, the Oba Yoruba of Gombe in Abuja, clarified that Arigbabuwo holds no recognised leadership position within Yoruba traditional institutions in northern Nigeria.
According to the association, the only officially recognised body representing Yoruba traditional leaders in the North is the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the FCT, chaired by Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua of Katsina State.
The controversy emerged after Arigbabuwo allegedly sent a letter to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commending her initiatives for women in Kaduna State while identifying himself as the chairman of a Yoruba Obas’ council.
Dismissing his claim, the association asserted that Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke was recently elected and formally installed as chairman, making him the only legitimate representative of Yoruba traditional rulers in the region.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Arigbabuwo is not an Oba anywhere in northern Nigeria. His actions are deceptive and misleading,” they emphasized.
The association cautioned the public against engaging with Arigbabuwo under such pretenses and vowed to take necessary measures to prevent further misrepresentation.
