The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has suspended six traditional chiefs for attending a Labour Party (LP) campaign rally without his consent.
The suspension was announced following a palace meeting held on Monday, during which the monarch expressed displeasure over the chiefs’ unauthorized appearance at the LP campaign flag-off in the Apapa area of Lagos State last Saturday.
He accused the chiefts of violating palace protocol and impersonating the monarch at a political event.
The affected chiefs are Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), and Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira).
Others are Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).
The statement issued by the palace on the development reads: “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.”
On Saturday, LP chieftain Francis Chima, popularly known as Omobarca, led the rally and declared that the party was poised to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area.
A notable moment during the rally was the appearance of the six traditional chiefs—an act LP leaders hailed as a sign of deep grassroots support and growing alliance between traditional institutions and the party.
Omobarca, addressing the crowd, lauded the chiefs for their contributions to local development and encouraged the candidates to stay focused and confident as the elections approach.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has yet to react to the development as of the time of filing this report
