The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has directed Chief Isunmaila Salam to cease presenting himself as the Babaloja of Oyo town. In a statement issued Saturday by his director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaye, the palace declared the installation of Salam as "without due process and authorisation." The statement described the act as an affront to the Oyo traditional institution.
It stated that the palace had taken notice of an "illegal self-proclamation, installation, and parading" of Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, also known as Olaiya, in the chieftaincy position. The Alaafin's office emphasized that any chieftaincy title conferred without the monarch's approval is "illegal, null, and void."
Durojaye affirmed that Salam is not recognized as Babaloja and warned him against using the title. The public was advised not to engage with Salam in any official or traditional capacity, noting that anyone who does so acts at their own risk.
The Alaafin condemns an unauthorized chieftaincy claim while the same titleholder continues to be publicly referenced, creating confusion over legitimacy. The palace insists the appointment lacks approval, yet no enforcement action against the installation has been detailed. This leaves residents to navigate conflicting signals about who holds recognized authority. Without clarity, the risk of divided allegiance in Oyo town grows.
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