The Lagos State Government has issued a public advisory warning individuals and groups against the unauthorised assumption and use of chieftaincy and royal titles in the state, describing it as illegal and capable of causing tension and crisis.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Kayode Robert, and dated Monday, February 2, 2026, the government said its attention had been drawn to what it described as an “unhealthy development” involving people parading themselves as traditional rulers or chiefs without official approval.
According to the advisory, some individuals and ethnic groups have assumed chieftaincy titles or royal appellations such as “Oba,” “King,” “His Royal Majesty,” or “His Royal Highness” without recognition by the state, a development the government said has caused confusion, tension, and avoidable crises in some communities.
The government said the situation has reached an alarming level, despite earlier efforts by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to curb the practice.
“As a cosmopolitan state and economic hub of the country, Lagos is home to people from different ethnic backgrounds,” the statement said. “However, the assumption of royal titles or their equivalents without approval is in clear violation of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015 and is therefore illegal.”
The government said recent developments have made it necessary to take more stringent measures to protect the integrity of the traditional institution in the state and to preserve Lagos’ cultural heritage from disrepute.
It warned that unauthorised chieftaincy titles pose a risk of ethnic tension and community conflict, stressing that the law would now be strictly enforced to maintain peace, order and respect for established traditional institutions.
For clarity, the government stated that the Governor of Lagos State remains the sole approving authority for all chieftaincy matters in the state, acting through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
The statement cited Sections 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 of the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015, which outline the procedures for filling vacancies and approving chieftaincy titles.
It also referenced Sections 21 and 23 of the law, which expressly prohibit the assumption of royal titles and the use of royal paraphernalia by individuals not recognised by the state government. These include the use of beaded crowns, beaded shoes, beaded staffs, horse whisks and other symbols traditionally reserved for approved traditional rulers.
The government warned that anyone found violating these provisions would be arrested and prosecuted, adding that the law prescribes a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment for offenders.
“Any chieftaincy title conferred without the approval of the Governor of Lagos State is null and void,” the statement said. “The state government will no longer tolerate the continued disregard for the law.”
The advisory further warned that it is illegal for any individual, group, ethnic nationality or association to install, proclaim or parade themselves as holders of traditional or royal titles without due approval.
Working in collaboration with local government areas, local council development areas and security agencies, the government said it would take decisive action against anyone found engaging in such activities.
All individuals currently holding unapproved chieftaincy titles were advised to desist immediately, with the government warning that failure to comply could result in legal action.
The public was also encouraged to report cases of unauthorised conferment or use of chieftaincy titles to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development or relevant security agencies for prompt intervention.
