The Association vowed to take decisive steps to prevent further misrepresentation and urged Arigbabuwo to immediately desist from parading himself as Chairman of any council covering the 19 Northern States and the FCT. Failure to comply, it warned, may prompt further action.
By Our Reporter
In a dramatic development, the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has firmly disowned Ambassador Muhammed Arigbabuwo, dismissing his claims of being the Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in Northern Nigeria.
The Association’s Secretary-General, Oba Abdulrahim Jimoh Alao Yusuf, the Oba Yoruba of Gombe, issued a strong statement clarifying that Arigbabuwo has no legitimate authority within any recognized Yoruba traditional leadership body in the region.
According to Oba Yusuf, the only authentic and 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 led by Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua of Katsina State.
The controversy erupted after Arigbabuwo allegedly sent a letter to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in which he misrepresented himself as the Chairman of a nonexistent council of Yoruba traditional rulers in the North. The Association swiftly debunked his claim, reaffirming that Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke is the duly elected and turbaned leader of the recognized body.
The Association condemned Arigbabuwo’s actions in no uncertain terms, branding him an imposter with no royal legitimacy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Arigbabuwo is not an Oba anywhere in Northern Nigeria. His actions are driven by clear mischief and fraudulent intentions,” the statement declared.
The group also warned the public against engaging with Arigbabuwo, emphasizing that he has no mandate to speak on behalf of the Yoruba traditional institutions in the region.
A Stern Warning
The Association vowed to take decisive steps to prevent further misrepresentation and urged Arigbabuwo to immediately desist from parading himself as Chairman of any council covering the 19 Northern States and the FCT. Failure to comply, it warned, may prompt further action.
As the saga unfolds, the question remains—will Arigbabuwo defend his claims or step back in the face of mounting opposition? Time will tell.
