Ijora Monarch Dethrones Six Chiefs Over Unauthorized Political Appearance
The Ojora of Ijora says the chiefs acted without permission and impersonated royal authority at a Labour Party event.
In a decisive move to assert royal authority, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has removed six chiefs from their traditional posts after they attended a political event without his approval.
The affected chiefs were reportedly present at the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off in Apapa, ahead of the upcoming Lagos State local government elections. Their attendance, according to the monarch, occurred without prior consultation or permission from the palace.
Oba Oyegbemi summoned a palace meeting on Monday, where he addressed the matter directly. He accused the chiefs not only of acting independently but also of impersonating him at the rally — a serious violation of established palace protocol.
The dethroned individuals include Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere), and Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko).
In a statement released by the palace, Oba Oyegbemi emphasized that the decision was necessary to preserve the structure and order of the traditional institution under his leadership.
“This action became imperative to ensure discipline, respect for traditional hierarchy, and unity within the kingdom,” the statement noted.
The dethronement underscores growing tensions between traditional authorities and political affiliations in the state, especially as local government elections draw closer.
