The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has declared the self-proclamation of Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, also known as Olaiya, as the Babaloja of Oyo illegal, ordering an immediate halt to his use of the title.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Publicity at the Oyo Palace, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said the purported installation of Salam did not follow due process and lacked the approval of the traditional institution.
“The attention of the ancient Palace of Oyo has been drawn to an illegal self-proclamation, installation, and parading of one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, a.k.a Olaiya as the Babaloja of Oyo, without due process and authorization,” the statement read.
The palace stressed that any chieftaincy title or equivalent conferred without the Alaafin’s approval is “illegal, null and void.” It added that Salam is “hereby advised to stop parading himself with unapproved market title forthwith.”
According to Durojaiye, the palace received reports that the installation was carried out by individuals led by Mrs Odunayo Danjuma without adhering to established procedures. “It should be noted that any chieftaincy title, or their equivalents, conferred without the approval of His Imperial Majesty and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Owoade is illegal, null, and void,” the statement said.
The Alaafin warned members of the public against dealing with anyone holding an unapproved market title. “The general public is also advised not to transact, engage, or associate with the holder of illegitimate market title, as anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk,” the palace said.
The monarch reaffirmed that the title of Babaloja is an important traditional position in Yoruba markets, representing leadership over traders and market affairs, including conflict resolution and liaison with traditional rulers and government authorities. “In Yoruba land, such appointments are usually made through established traditional structures, and in most cases require the approval of the relevant monarch or council of chiefs,” the statement noted.
The palace said it would not tolerate any act that could undermine its authority. “The crown further warned that it would not tolerate any action capable of undermining the authority and sanctity of the traditional institution, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace, order, and due process,” Durojaiye said.
The Alaafin stressed that measures would be taken to maintain order and stability within the kingdom, adding that the traditional institution remains committed to protecting established procedures and the authority of the throne.
