Alaafin of Oyo Declares Self-Acclaimed ‘Babaloja’ Title Illegal, Warns Impostor

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has declared the purported installation of one Isunmaila Kolawole Salam, also known as Olaiya, as the Babaloja of Oyo illegal, describing the action as null and void and without any traditional or legal backing.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Publicity at the Oyo palace, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch cautioned the individual against parading himself as the market leader, stressing that any chieftaincy title or equivalent appointment made without the approval of the Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom would not be recognised under any circumstance. The statement read in part, “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.”

Bode Durojaiye further quoted the Alaafin as saying that 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 palace explained that it received reports of a recent installation allegedly carried out by a group led by Mrs. Odunayo Danjuma without adherence to established traditional procedures or official authorisation.

The monarch directed Isunmaila Kolawole Salam to immediately desist from presenting himself as a market leader, warning that his actions undermine traditional authority and could disrupt public order. The statement added, “Isunmaila Kolawole Salami, a.k.a Olaiya is hereby advised to stop parading himself with unapproved market title forthwith.”

The Alaafin also cautioned members of the public, especially traders and business operators, against recognising or dealing with him in any official capacity as a market leader. The palace warned, “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.”

Bode Durojaiye noted that the Alaafin would not tolerate any action capable of undermining traditional authority or established customs, and reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining peace, order, and respect within the kingdom. The monarch stressed that necessary steps would be taken to preserve peace and lawful order within the Oyo Kingdom.