Lagos Monarch Dethrones Six Chiefs for Attending Labour Party Campaign

The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom in Lagos, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has dethroned six of his chiefs over their attendance at a recent Labour Party campaign event without his knowledge or approval.

The monarch announced the decision on Monday following a palace meeting, during which the chiefs were summoned to explain their actions. Oba Oyegbemi described their conduct as a breach of royal protocol and an act of impersonation, as they allegedly represented the palace at the political gathering without his consent.

The affected 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), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).

In a statement issued after the meeting and made available to the press on Tuesday, the palace explained that the monarch was not informed prior to the event and regarded the chiefs’ participation as a serious violation of their responsibilities.

“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 statement read.

The Ojora emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and hierarchy within the traditional council, warning that any chief who fails to adhere to palace protocols will face consequences.

Oba Oyegbemi also used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for the current administration’s developmental efforts within Ojora land, urging continued collaboration between traditional leaders and government authorities in matters of governance and progress.

The dethronement has stirred reactions within the community and beyond, with observers noting its implications for the intersection of traditional authority and partisan politics in Nigeria.