By ArtsDaily Nigeria

A storm is brewing within the Yoruba traditional leadership in Northern Nigeria, as the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has firmly rejected claims by Ambassador Muhammed Arigbabuwo, who allegedly declared himself Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs in the region. The Association, in a strongly worded statement, denounced Arigbabuwo as an imposter with no legitimate authority, warning the public against recognizing him as a leader.

Clarifying its position, the Association, through its Secretary-General, Oba Abdulrahim Jimoh Alao Yusuf, the Oba Yoruba of Gombe, stated that Arigbabuwo is not, and has never been, the leader of any legitimate Yoruba traditional council in Northern Nigeria.

The Association emphasized that the only officially recognized umbrella body representing Yoruba traditional rulers in the region is the Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas in the Northern States and FCT, chaired by Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua of Katsina State.

The controversy erupted when Arigbabuwo allegedly sent a letter to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commending her for her empowerment initiatives in Kaduna State. In the letter, he reportedly presented himself as Chairman of the Council of Yoruba Traditional Obas and Chiefs—a position the Association insists is nonexistent under his leadership.

Reacting to this claim, the Association reiterated that Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke was recently elected and formally turbaned as Chairman of the only legitimate Yoruba traditional body in the North. Therefore, no other individual has the authority to represent Yoruba traditional institutions in the region.

In a damning statement, the Association accused Arigbabuwo of engaging in fraudulent misrepresentation.

“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.

The Association also issued a stern warning to the general public, urging them to disregard Arigbabuwo’s claims, labeling him an imposter who has no authority to speak on behalf of Yoruba traditional leaders in the North.

With tensions rising, the Association vowed to take firm steps to prevent further misrepresentation. It also warned Arigbabuwo to immediately cease parading himself as Chairman of any Yoruba council in the 19 Northern States and the FCT, or face the consequences.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the question remains—will Arigbabuwo step back from his disputed claims, or will this power struggle escalate further? The coming weeks will reveal how this royal rift is resolved.