In a move that has sent shockwaves through traditional circles and the political community in Lagos State, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire Oyegbemi, has announced the dethronement of six high-ranking chiefs for attending a political event without royal approval.

The chiefs were alleged to have participated in the official campaign flag-off of the Labour Party in the Apapa area of Lagos without the prior knowledge or consent of the monarch. Even more concerning to the palace, according to the official statement, was that the chiefs allegedly misrepresented themselves as royal emissaries, thereby violating palace protocols and customary expectations.

The affected title holders include:

• Chief Lateef Ojora – Bale of Alaba Oro

• Chief Saliu Biliamin – Bale of Alafia Dodoro

• Chief Taiwo Hassan – Bale of Oke Ira

• Chief Idris Ojora – Bale of Abule Kere

• Chief Hakeem Oseni – Bale of Mosafejo Amukoko

• Chief Sule Balogun – Balogun of Abule Kere

According to the palace, the matter came to the attention of Oba Oyegbemi following reports and visual evidence of the chiefs’ attendance at the campaign event. The monarch, visibly displeased, summoned a high-level emergency meeting of the Ojora Council, including the affected Bales and the Balogun, to provide clarity on their conduct.

In a formal statement issued by the palace on Tuesday and made available to journalists, the monarch stated that the actions of the six chiefs were a direct violation of their traditional responsibilities and loyalty to the stool.

“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,” the statement read.

“In a tone marked by disappointment and authority, Kabiyesi stated that the Chiefs’ actions were in violation of their duties. He 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.”

The monarch emphasized that traditional title holders are not expected to engage in partisan politics, especially without royal clearance, and warned that such acts could be misconstrued as the palace aligning with political interests — a position that could endanger the neutrality, unity, and sanctity of the kingdom.

According to sources close to the palace, the dethronement was not just punitive, but symbolic of the monarch’s intent to protect the legacy, protocol, and sovereignty of the Ojora royal institution. The king was said to have made it clear that he would not tolerate any conduct capable of undermining the authority of the palace or bringing the traditional system into disrepute.

While addressing the gathering at the palace, Oba Oyegbemi reportedly commended the Lagos State Government for its ongoing infrastructure and development projects within the Ojora and Iganmu Kingdoms. He reiterated his support for the administration in power, affirming that his loyalty remains with the government’s efforts to deliver social and economic development to his people.

“Kabiyesi 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,” the palace statement noted.

The monarch concluded by reminding all chiefs and traditional representatives under his leadership that their positions are sacred and come with expectations of discipline, loyalty, and non-partisanship.

“The palace remains a symbol of unity for all political parties and people, and must never be seen as compromised. Chiefs who act contrary to this principle risk not only removal but the loss of honour attached to their titles.”

Reactions from the affected chiefs have not been made public as of the time of filing this report, but local observers say the decision could reshape palace politics and power dynamics in the area. It is also expected to serve as a strong message to traditional leaders across the state who may be tempted to get involved in partisan politics without due process.

This is not the first time that a traditional institution in Nigeria has made headlines for taking disciplinary actions against its chiefs. However, the Ojora’s firm and swift decision has drawn attention for its clarity and resolve in preserving traditional authority amidst increasing political tension ahead of upcoming elections.

With this latest development, observers are watching to see if replacements for the dethroned chiefs will be announced, and how this will affect the political alignments in the Ojora and Iganmu kingdom going forward.

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