By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Lagos State Government has moved to clamp down on the growing trend of self-conferred chieftaincy titles, warning that individuals or groups parading unapproved traditional titles will face stiff legal consequences.
In a public advisory issued by the commissioner for local government, Chieftaincy affairs and Rural development, Bolaji Kayode Robert, on Monday, February 2, 2026, the state government expressed concern over what it described as an “unhealthy development” involving people assuming chieftaincy titles without the consent or approval of the government.
According to the advisory, such actions have fueled tension, confusion and unnecessary crises across communities in the state.
The government noted that the proliferation of self-acclaimed chiefs has made previous efforts by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development to regulate the system largely ineffective, prompting the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws.
While acknowledging Lagos’ diverse ethnic composition and its status as a home to people from across Nigeria, the government stressed that the adoption of chieftaincy titles or royal appellations such as “Oba,” “King,” “HRM,” “His Royal Majesty,” or “His Royal Highness” without approval contravenes the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015.
The statement reaffirmed that only the Governor of Lagos State has the statutory authority to approve chieftaincy titles, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
It cited Sections 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 of the Obas and Chiefs Law as clearly outlining the procedures for filling chieftaincy vacancies and granting approvals.
The state government also warned against the use of royal paraphernalia including beaded crowns, staffs, horse whisks (irukere), and other traditional insignia by unauthorised persons, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.
Under the law, anyone found guilty of violating the provisions risks up to two years’ imprisonment, as prescribed by Sections 21(1) and 21(2)(d) of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015.
Residents were urged to desist from installing, proclaiming or parading themselves or others as traditional rulers without approval, while those currently holding unauthorised titles were advised to stop parading such titles immediately.
The government also encouraged members of the public to report any cases of unauthorised chieftaincy titles to relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development and security agencies, for prompt action.
