By Ayo Kehinde
The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has dethroned six traditional chiefs for attending the flag-off of the Labour Party campaign in Apapa, Lagos State, without his permission.
According to the monarch, the affected chiefs impersonated him at the political event and acted without his prior knowledge or consent, a breach of palace protocol and traditional norms.
Those dethroned include Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), C. Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira), Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the palace said the chiefs were summoned by the monarch following reports of their presence and conduct at the political rally.
“Following the outcome of this event, which unfolded without his prior knowledge, Kabiyesi Ojora summoned the Bales, Balogun, and members of the Ojora Council to his ancient palace for clarification,” the statement read.
“In a tone marked by disappointment and authority, Kabiyesi stated that the chiefs’ actions were a violation of their duties and contrary to the customs of the land.
“He reiterated that no chief should make decisions or act on his behalf without his explicit consent, as they are custodians of tradition and representatives of the palace.”
The statement added that the monarch’s decision to dethrone the six chiefs underscores his commitment to preserving discipline, hierarchy, and cultural integrity within the kingdom.
