Lagos bans unauthorized chieftaincy titles, threatens imprisonment
The Lagos State Authorities has warned its residents in opposition to the belief of chieftaincy titles with out official approval.
The state authorities declared that violators of this order will face arrest and prosecution underneath the Obas and Chiefs Regulation of Lagos State 2015.
This disclosure is contained in a public discover titled, ‘Prohibition of Unapproved Chieftaincy Titles In Lagos State’, issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Native Authorities, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Growth, Bolaji Robert, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Lagos.
Robert described the pattern of self-proclaimed conventional rulers as an unhealthy growth that’s inflicting pressure, confusion, and pointless crises.
Robert mentioned the state of affairs requires pressing motion to inject sanity and arrest the rising pattern of impunity, within the curiosity of peace, legislation, and order within the State, including that the preponderance of those self-acclaimed Chieftaincy titles has reached an alarming degree.
The commissioner mentioned, ‘’The eye of the Lagos State Authorities has been drawn to an unhealthy growth the place some people or {groups} have assumed sure Chieftaincy titles, both on their very own or as leaders of ethnic {groups}, with out the approval of the State Authorities.
“These titles usually are not recognised within the State, and their use has triggered pressure, confusion, and unnecessary crises. This case requires pressing motion to inject sanity and arrest the rising pattern of impunity, within the curiosity of peace, legislation, and order within the State.’’
He famous that as a result of rising concern over self-acclaimed Chieftaincy titles, the Lagos state authorities, by means of this public discover, had determined to make clear and information Lagosians on the legislation governing Chieftaincy issues within the state, in addition to the necessity for adherence to the legislation.
‘’Whereas we recognise the best of varied {groups} to nominate leaders to coordinate their affairs in Lagos State, the belief of Chieftaincy titles and nomenclatures equal to that of an “Oba” or appellations corresponding to “His Royal Majesty”, “His Royal Highness” or its equal is in contravention of the extant Obas and Chiefs Regulation of Lagos State 2015 and is prohibited,’ he mentioned.
The commissioner mentioned latest experiences have bolstered the necessity for extra drastic and stringent motion to guard and uphold the sanctity and integrity of the normal establishments within the State.
He mentioned, ‘’The State Authorities is about to implement the legislation, and henceforth convey violators to justice. It’s hereby notified for basic info that the one approving authority for Chieftaincy issues is the Governor of Lagos State. Any Chieftaincy title conferred with out the Governor’s approval is null and void. The Lagos State Authorities will now not tolerate any contravention of the Obas and Chiefs Regulation of Lagos State 2015. Violators of this legislation might be prosecuted and, upon conviction, will face a punishment of two (2) years imprisonment, as prescribed by Part 21(1) and Part 21, Paragraph 2(d) of the Obas and Chiefs Regulation of Lagos State 2015.’’
In a associated growth, the Lagos State authorities had in June 2025, by means of a historic legislative intervention, moved to repeal and re-enact the Obas and Chiefs Regulation.
The invoice, which got here underneath intense evaluation, was extensively seen as a strategic try to convey readability, order, and authorized power to the evolving roles of conventional rulers within the state’s fashionable administrative framework.
The invoice strengthened the authority of the governor over chieftaincy issues, criminalized unauthorised installations, and launched vital improvements that might reshape the way forward for conventional management within the state.