NEWS
LASG Declares War on Fake Monarchs, Moves to Prosecute Self-Proclaimed Obas, Warns That Unauthorised Chieftaincy Titles Are Illegal and Punishable Under 2015 Law
...as State Govt. Bans Installation of Eze Ndigbo, Seriki, Threatens Arrest
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning against the rising trend of individuals assuming chieftaincy titles without official approval, declaring that anyone found engaging in such acts will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015.
In a strongly worded public statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, the state government described the growing phenomenon of self-proclaimed traditional rulers as “an unhealthy development” that has continued to fuel “tension, confusion, and needless crises” across communities.
According to the statement, the unlawful adoption of traditional titles—especially those bearing appellations equivalent to “Oba,” “His Royal Majesty,” or “His Royal Highness,” constitutes a direct violation of existing laws governing chieftaincy affairs in the state.
“The preponderance of these self-acclaimed Chieftaincy titles has reached an alarming level, rendering efforts at curbing these untoward excesses largely ineffective,” it said.
The government reiterated that only the Governor of Lagos State, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has the constitutional and legal authority to approve the conferment of any chieftaincy title within the state.
It explained that Sections 15, 16, 17, 18, and 20 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015 clearly stipulate the lawful procedures for filling vacant stools and granting chieftaincy titles, stressing that any process outside these provisions is illegal and invalid.
The statement further drew attention to Section 21, Paragraphs 2(a-d), and Section 23, Paragraphs (a & b) of the law, which expressly prohibit the assumption of royal titles and the use of royal insignia by individuals who are not duly recognised by the state government.
These prohibited items include beaded crowns, beaded shoes, staffs, and horse whisks (irukere), which are regarded as sacred symbols of traditional authority.
“The State Government is set to enforce the law and, henceforth, bring violators to justice,” the statement added.
Emphasising the seriousness of the offence, the government warned that any chieftaincy title conferred without the approval of the Governor is null and void and attracts penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment as prescribed by law.
“Such actions will be viewed strongly as a deliberate infraction and affront on the traditional institution in the State,” it said.
Individuals currently parading themselves with unauthorised chieftaincy titles were advised to immediately desist from the practice or face the full weight of the law.
“Failure to comply with this directive may result in necessary actions, including legal proceedings in accordance with the extant laws,” the statement noted.
The Lagos State Government also appealed to residents to be vigilant and report any cases of unauthorised conferment or assumption of chieftaincy titles to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development or to relevant security agencies for prompt investigation and action.
Commissioner Robert stated that the enforcement drive is aimed at “protect and uphold the sanctity and integrity of the traditional institution in the State and preserve our most cherished culture and tradition from disrepute,” reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and orderliness of traditional rulership in Lagos State.