The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has firmly drawn the line on traditional and market titles in his domain, declaring that any chieftaincy title or its equivalent conferred without his explicit approval remains illegal, null, and void.

The monarch issued this strict declaration following an unauthorised self-installation and proclamation of a market leader within the Oyo Kingdom.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the palace specifically cautioned one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, popularly known as Olaiya, to immediately stop parading himself as the Babaloja of Oyo.

“The attention of the ancient Palace of Oyo has been drawn to an illegal self-proclamation, installation, and parading of one Isunmaila Kolawole Salami, a.k.a. Olaiya, as the Babaloja of Oyo, without due process and authorization,” the statement read.

Oba Owoade maintained that the stool of the paramount ruler holds the exclusive prerogative to oversee and approve all chieftaincies, traditional positions, and equivalent titles within the jurisdiction of the Oyo Kingdom. The palace added that it would not recognise or tolerate any appointment made outside established traditional and due processes.

The monarch warned members of the public, commercial banks, and relevant authorities against transacting with the individual in any official capacity as a market leader.

“The general public is also advised not to transact, engage, or associate with the holder of the illegitimate market title, as anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk,” the statement warned.

The palace emphasized that the traditional institution would not fold its arms and allow actions that undermine royal authority. Oba Owoade assured residents that all necessary legal and traditional measures would be taken to preserve peace and order within the kingdom.