Lagos State Warns Against Unapproved Chieftaincy Titles, Threatens Prosecution
✍️ By Tobi | February 3, 2026 | 16:53 PM
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning against the assumption, conferment, or use of unapproved chieftaincy and royal titles in the state, declaring that individuals and groups found flouting the law may face prosecution and even possible jail time.
In a public advisory released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, under the leadership of Commissioner Bolaji Kayode Robert, expressed serious concern over the growing trend of people assuming traditional titles without official approval from the state government. According to the statement, the trend has caused tension, confusion, and needless crises in various communities across Lagos.
The government stressed that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state with diverse ethnic groups, but emphasised that only the Governor, acting through the appropriate ministry, has the authority to approve chieftaincy titles under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015. The Advisory highlighted that the unlawful use of titles such as “Oba,” “His Royal Majesty,” “His Royal Highness,” or their equivalents violates the law and is considered illegal.
Under the law, any individual found assuming or using royal paraphernalia including beaded crowns, staffs, horse whisks (irukere), or other insignia without formal recognition is subject to legal action. The state government reiterated that titles conferred without the governor’s approval are null and void and warned that offenders could face up to two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Residents and community leaders have been urged to comply with the law and refrain from proclaiming themselves as traditional rulers without due authorisation. The government also encouraged citizens to report any cases of unauthorised title conferment to the relevant authorities, including the ministry and security agencies, for prompt action.
#LagosState #ChieftaincyLaw #TraditionalTitles #LegalUpdate #neeceebossladyblog
