The only legally recognized umbrella body for Yoruba traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria is the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the FCT, which is currently chaired by Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua of Katsina State.
By Time Nigeria
In a dramatic turn of events, the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has publicly distanced itself from recent claims made by Ambassador Muhammed Arigbabuwo, who allegedly positioned himself as the Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in Northern Nigeria.
The clarification came through a strongly worded statement issued by the Association’s Secretary-General, Oba Abdulrahim Jimoh Alao Yusuf, the Oba Yoruba of Gombe. According to Oba Yusuf, Mr. Arigbabuwo holds no legitimate authority within any recognized council of Yoruba traditional rulers in the region.
He reaffirmed that the only legally recognized umbrella body for Yoruba traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria is the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the FCT, which is currently chaired by Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua of Katsina State.
The controversy erupted after Arigbabuwo reportedly sent a letter to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commending her for her initiatives in Kaduna State. In the letter, he allegedly presented himself as the Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in the region—a position the Association insists does not exist under his leadership.
In response, the Association emphasized that Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke was recently elected and formally turbaned as Chairman of the group, making him the sole authority empowered to represent Yoruba traditional institutions in the North.
The Association did not mince words in its denunciation of Arigbabuwo, stating categorically that he is neither an Oba nor a traditional ruler anywhere in the North.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, Mr. Arigbabuwo is not an Oba anywhere in northern Nigeria. We declare that his actions are spurred by clear mischief and fraudulent intentions,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the group issued a stern warning to the public to be wary of Arigbabuwo’s claims, branding him an imposter who has no authority to speak on behalf of the Yoruba traditional leadership in the region.
In light of the situation, the Association has vowed to take decisive steps to prevent further misrepresentation. It also urged Arigbabuwo to immediately cease parading himself as Chairman of any council covering the 19 Northern States and the FCT, warning that failure to do so may warrant further action.
With the matter now in the public domain, all eyes are on how this royal identity crisis will unfold in the coming weeks. Will Arigbabuwo respond to the allegations, or will he step back from his disputed claims? Time will tell
