The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire Oyegbemi, has dethroned six palace chiefs over what he described as a breach of palace protocol and unauthorised political engagement.
Naijaonpoint reports that the affected chiefs had reportedly attended the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off held in the Apapa area of Lagos without the monarch’s prior approval, an act the king said amounted to impersonation and misconduct.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and obtained by Punch, the monarch disclosed that the chiefs were dethroned following a palace meeting held on Monday to address the development.
The sanctioned traditional leaders include:
Chief Lateef Ojora – Bale Alaba Oro
Chief Saliu Biliamin – Bale Alafia Dodoro
Chief Taiwo Hassan – Bale Oke Ira
Chief Idris Ojora – Bale Abule Kere
Chief Hakeem Oseni – Bale Mosafejo Amukoko
Chief Sule Balogun – Balogun of Abule Kere
According to the palace statement, “Following the outcome of this event, which unfolded without his prior knowledge, Kabiyesi Ojora summoned the Bales, Balogun, and the Ojora Councils to his ancient Palace for clarification.”
Oba Oyegbemi was said to have addressed the meeting with “a tone marked by disappointment and authority,” warning that no chief should act in a manner that undermines the traditions or speaks on behalf of the throne without explicit consent.
The monarch strongly criticised the chiefs’ conduct, declaring that their actions had not only breached palace rules but also posed a threat to the unity and structure of traditional leadership.
The statement further read, “The Chiefs’ actions were in violation of their duties. Kabiyesi reiterated that no Chief should make decisions or act on his behalf without his explicit consent, as they all serve to represent him and uphold the traditions of the land.”
He noted that the decision to dethrone the six chiefs was taken to preserve the sanctity and coherence of the traditional leadership in Ojora land.
Oba Oyegbemi also used the opportunity to commend the current administration in Lagos State for ongoing development projects across Ijora and Iganmu.
The statement added, “Kabiyesi also took the opportunity to commend the present Government’s ongoing development initiatives in Ojora Land, expressing his commitment to continue supporting the Administration as it fosters growth and progress for the Kingdom.”
He urged other chiefs to uphold their responsibilities with transparency, loyalty, and respect for traditional hierarchy, especially when interfacing with political actors.