Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, has dethroned six chiefs for attending the Labour Party’s campaign launch in Apapa, Lagos State.
The Lagos monarch claimed that the chiefs had attended the political gathering without his permission and had broken palace custom by impersonating him there.
The affected chiefs are Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), and Taiwo Hassan.
Others include Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun Abule Kere).
The development occurred following a royal meeting on Monday, during which Oba Oyegbemi pronounced the chiefs’ behaviour unacceptable.
A statement from the palace on Tuesday read, “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.
“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 decisive action of dethroning the six chiefs underscores his commitment to maintaining order and coherence within his leadership structure. During this assembly, 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.”
The Lagos monarch, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of transparency and collaboration among traditional authorities and their representation in political concerns, while reminding the chiefs of their responsibilities as members of the prestigious Ojora Kingdom.
