The Palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has raised alarm over what it described as the illegal installation and self-proclamation of a Babaloja in Oyo town, warning the individual involved to desist immediately.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the monarch, Bode Durojaiye, the Palace condemned the action, stating that Isunmaila Kolawole Salami, also known as Olaiya, was unlawfully installed without the approval of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
The statement emphasized that any chieftaincy or market leadership title conferred without the consent of the Alaafin is null, void, and of no effect, stressing that due process must be followed in line with tradition and established authority.
According to the Palace, the controversial installation was allegedly carried out during a recent visit to Oyo by a group led by Mrs. Odunayo Danjuma, without recourse to the appropriate traditional procedures.
The monarch has therefore directed Salami to stop parading himself as Babaloja of Oyo with immediate effect, describing the act as a violation of the revered traditional institution.
The Palace also issued a public advisory, urging residents, traders, and stakeholders to refrain from engaging or transacting with the individual, warning that anyone who does so would be acting at their own risk.
Reaffirming its stance, the Palace noted that it would not tolerate any affront to the authority of the throne, adding that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the preservation of peace, order, and cultural integrity within the Oyo Kingdom.
