The Lagos State Government has issued a strong public warning against the assumption and use of unapproved chieftaincy titles within the state, declaring such actions illegal and punishable under the law.
In a public advisory released by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, the government expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals and groups adopting self-acclaimed chieftaincy titles without official approval. According to the government, this development has caused tension, confusion, and avoidable crises across communities in the state.
The advisory noted that Lagos, as a cosmopolitan and economically vibrant state, accommodates people from diverse ethnic nationalities. While groups are free to appoint coordinators or leaders for internal affairs, the government stressed that the use of titles equivalent to that of an Oba or King—including appellations such as “His Royal Majesty” (HRM) or “His Royal Highness” (HRH)—is expressly prohibited unless approved by the state government.
Citing the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015, the government clarified that only the Governor of Lagos State, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has the constitutional authority to approve chieftaincy titles. Sections 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, and 23 of the law clearly outline the procedures for filling chieftaincy vacancies and prohibit the unauthorised use of royal titles and paraphernalia.
The law also forbids the use of royal insignia such as beaded crowns, beaded shoes, beaded staffs, horse whisks (irukere), or their imitations by persons not recognised by the state government.
The government warned that any chieftaincy title conferred without the Governor’s approval is null and void. Offenders, upon conviction, risk up to two years imprisonment, as stipulated under Section 21 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015.
The state further announced its readiness to enforce the law strictly, in collaboration with Local Government Areas, Local Council Development Areas, and security agencies. Individuals or groups found parading themselves with unauthorised royal titles will be arrested and prosecuted.
All persons currently holding such illegal chieftaincy titles have been advised to desist immediately. Members of the public are also encouraged to report cases of unauthorised conferment of chieftaincy titles to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development or relevant security agencies.
The advisory was signed by Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.