The Lagos State Government has cautioned residents of Amuwo-Odofin and other parts of the state against assuming or recognizing chieftaincy titles that have not been officially approved, warning that such actions are illegal and could lead to prosecution.
The warning was issued in a public notice released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Robert, following a growing trend of self-styled traditional titles across several Lagos communities.
According to the state government, the rise of unapproved chieftaincy titles has contributed to tension, confusion and avoidable disputes at the community level, including in densely populated areas like Amuwo-Odofin, where multiple cultural and ethnic groups coexist.
The commissioner explained that while community groups and associations are free to appoint coordinators or leaders for internal organisation, the assumption of chieftaincy titles or royal designations such as “Oba,” “His Royal Majesty,” “His Royal Highness,” or similar appellations without government approval is against the law.
He stressed that under the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015, only the Governor of Lagos State, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, has the authority to approve chieftaincy titles. Any title conferred outside this process, the government said, is not recognised and holds no legal standing.
The state government also warned residents to exercise caution in supporting or identifying with unapproved chieftaincy structures, noting that such affiliations often escalate into leadership disputes and community unrest.
According to the notice, violators of the law risk arrest and prosecution, with penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Residents of Amuwo-Odofin have been advised to rely only on recognised traditional institutions and official government channels in matters relating to chieftaincy and community leadership, in order to maintain peace and order within their neighbourhoods.