FULL LIST: League warns against fake Islamic titles, names MKO Abiola, Arisekola, Ishola, others - Punch Newspapers

The League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land has listed the current and past holders of some of its distinguished Islamic chieftaincy titles, including late businessman Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the late AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao. The list was contained in an official disclaimer dated September 24, 2026, issued by the League in response to what it described as the unauthorised conferment of Islamic chieftaincy titles associated with the organisation. According to the statement, the titles have historically been conferred to recognise Muslims who demonstrated “outstanding service, commitment, sacrifice and contributions to Islam and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah in Yoruba Land.” The League listed the following as current holders of its distinguished Yoruba Land Islamic chieftaincy titles: Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola (OFR) — Baba Adinni of Yoruba Land Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola D-Darmak — Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land Asiwaju (Dr.) Khamis Olatunde Badmus — Asiwaju Adinni of Yoruba Land Alhaja Sekinat Adekola — Iya Adinni of Yoruba LandSee more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google Alhaja Chief Sedeekat Bolade Aderibigbe — Iyalode Adinni of Yoruba Land Alhaji Mustapha AbdulRahman Abiola Zico — Borokinni Adinni of Yoruba Land Alhaji AbdulRasheed Olawoore Omo Oku-Orun — Seriki Adinni of Yoruba Land Alhaji AbdulGaniy Alaka — Giwa Adinni of Yoruba Land Yoruba Muslim leaders warn against unauthorised chieftaincy titles Tinubu to host June 12 documentary premiere Daily Times @ 100: My 40 years on the beat Alhaji Moriwiyu Kayode Bakare — Balogun Adinni of Yoruba Land Olori Agba Moriliat Iyabode Adetona — Asiwaju Obinrin Adinni of Yoruba Land Abiola, Arisekola among past holders The League identified the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, as a past holder of the title of Baba Adinni of Yoruba Land. It said available historical accounts recorded that Abiola received the title in the 1980s from clerics of the League. According to the statement, the title was subsequently conferred on Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola following Abiola’s death. The League also identified the late AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao as the first holder of the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land title, saying he was installed in 1980. It said the title is currently held by Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola D-Darmak. The statement also listed the late AbdulYekinni Adeojo as a past holder of the title of Seriki Adinni of Yoruba Land. It further mentioned Sheikh Akinola Garuba, OON, the late Grand Chief Imam of Lagos and former Vice President of the League, among prominent past Chief Imams. The League said the continuity of the titles showed that they formed part of its established heritage and institutional traditions and should not be duplicated, misrepresented or presented to the public as though they were conferred by the League when they were not. Recent reporting has also identified Daud Akinola Makanjuola as Aare Musulumi of Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta States. Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.

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