Lagos Monarch Fires Six Chiefs Over Unauthorized Attendance at Labour Party Flag-Off Rally in Apapa

 

Ojora of Ijora Dethrones Six Chiefs After Unauthorized Appearance at Labour Party Event

A dramatic shake-up has gripped the traditional council of the Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom in Lagos State as Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, the Ojora of the land, announced the immediate dethronement of six senior chiefs. The bold decision followed what the monarch described as an act of insubordination and protocol violation during a political campaign event.

The chiefs, who had reportedly attended the Labour Party’s campaign flag-off rally held in Apapa without prior approval from the royal palace, were removed from their traditional posts during a palace assembly convened on Monday. The monarch expressed strong disapproval over their actions, citing an attempt to impersonate his authority at a political function.

Affected in the sweeping action were Chief Lateef Ojora, the Bale of Alaba Oro; Chief Saliu Biliamin, the Bale of Alafia Dodoro; and Chief Taiwo Hassan, the Bale of Oke Ira. Others included Chief Idris Ojora, Bale of Abule Kere; Chief Hakeem Oseni, Bale of Mosafejo Amukoko; and Chief Sule Balogun, who held the title of Balogun of Abule Kere.

The decision to strip them of their titles was not taken lightly. The traditional ruler summoned the implicated chiefs to his ancestral palace for clarification after learning of their participation in the Labour Party event. The meeting quickly escalated into a disciplinary session where the Oba made his stance clear.

Oba Oyegbemi told the gathered chiefs and council members that their actions breached the fundamental expectations of loyalty, integrity, and protocol within the traditional structure of the Ojora Kingdom. He stressed that no chief is permitted to act on behalf of the palace or the crown without direct consent from the monarch himself.

The statement, made available to press representatives on Tuesday, captured the monarch’s tone of disappointment and determination. He emphasized that the traditional institution must be preserved through order, hierarchy, and proper representation. Chiefs, according to him, are custodians of royal authority and must embody the values and traditions of the Ojora Kingdom at all times.

Citing the gravity of the infraction, the monarch said the decision to dethrone the six chiefs reflected his duty to maintain cohesion within the palace and protect the sanctity of the traditional institution. The impersonation of the monarch at a politically sensitive event, he noted, was unacceptable and could not be ignored.

Beyond the disciplinary action, Oba Oyegbemi used the occasion to reaffirm his support for the current administration's developmental strides within Ojora land. He noted with satisfaction that the government’s efforts have brought progress to the region, and he expressed willingness to continue working with elected officials who prioritize the welfare of his people.

The monarch also used the moment to urge other chiefs and council members to remain guided in their conduct and remember the roles they serve. He reminded them that political involvement by traditional figures must be transparent, respectful of institutional boundaries, and must never substitute or mimic the monarch’s authority.

While the dethronement may spark political debate in local circles, the message from the palace is clear: loyalty and discipline remain non-negotiable within the royal structure. The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu has set a firm example to reinforce traditional governance standards amid rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 election season.

Residents and stakeholders across the Ojora Kingdom have begun to react to the announcement, with some hailing the monarch’s decision as a necessary move to preserve order. Others suggest the incident is a reminder of the thin line between traditional leadership and modern-day political engagement.

The palace has not yet announced replacements for the dethroned chiefs, though insiders say deliberations are ongoing to fill the vacant titles in line with customary processes. The monarch’s office has also hinted at the possibility of further evaluations to ensure all chiefs remain aligned with the values of the Ojora throne.

As the dust settles, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi’s decision sends a clear signal across Lagos’ traditional landscape. The authority of the monarch remains supreme in matters of culture, representation, and order, and no breach of that trust will go unaddressed.