The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire Oyegbemi, has removed six traditional chiefs from office following their unauthorised attendance at a Labour Party campaign flag-off held in Apapa, Lagos.
The monarch expressed displeasure over what he described as a gross violation of palace protocol and an act of impersonation, stating that the affected chiefs attended the political event without his knowledge or approval.
The dethroned chiefs 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)
Their removal was announced during a palace meeting convened on Monday at the Ojora Palace in Ijora, where Oba Oyegbemi addressed the Council of Chiefs, Bales, and other palace functionaries.
The monarch in a formal statement declared the chiefs’ conduct “unacceptable,” emphasising that no traditional office holder is permitted to act or speak on behalf of the palace without his explicit consent.
“The Chiefs’ actions were in clear breach of their responsibilities. Theyfailed to seek prior authorisation and thereby acted outside the established traditions of the Ojora Kingdom,” the statement read in part.
Oba Oyegbemi reaffirmed his commitment to discipline and order within the palace hierarchy, insisting that every chief remains a representative of the throne and must uphold the dignity of the kingdom.
The monarch used the opportunity to praise the Lagos State Government for its continued developmental strides in Ojora land. He noted his full support for the present administration’s efforts in infrastructure, youth engagement, and community development.
“We are seeing tangible growth and transformation under this Government. As the traditional institution remains a critical partner in governance, we must all align ourselves with values of discipline, accountability, and unity,” Oba Oyegbemi said.
He further stressed the importance of transparency in traditional representation and reminded all palace chiefs to avoid political entanglements that could compromise their loyalty to the throne.
This development is generating discussions among community members and political observers, highlighting the delicate balance between traditional leadership and political engagement in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
