Lagos Monarch Dethrones Six Chiefs For Attending Labour Party Campaign.
The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire Oyegbemi, has taken the drastic step of dethroning six palace chiefs for attending a Labour Party campaign flag-off event in Apapa, Lagos State, without his approval. The decision, announced on July 1, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of traditional authority and political engagement in Nigeria.
The affected chiefs, identified as Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira), Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere), were accused of violating palace protocol by attending the political event without the monarch’s consent. According to a palace statement, the chiefs’ actions amounted to impersonation, as they allegedly represented the Ojora at the event without his authorisation.
The monarch convened a palace meeting on Monday, June 30, 2025, to address the incident. Speaking with a tone described as both authoritative and disappointed, Oba Oyegbemi stressed that no chief has the right to act or speak on behalf of the throne without his explicit permission. “The decisive action of dethroning the six chiefs underscores my commitment to maintaining order and coherence within the leadership structure,” the monarch stated, as reported by multiple sources.
The Labour Party event, part of the campaign activities ahead of the Lagos State local government elections, was held to rally support in the Apapa area. The chiefs’ attendance was seen as a breach of traditional protocol, which requires them to remain neutral and represent the interests of all community members, regardless of political affiliation. Oba Oyegbemi reiterated that traditional leaders must uphold transparency and loyalty, particularly when engaging with political actors.
While addressing the issue, the monarch also took the opportunity to commend the Lagos State government for its ongoing development projects in Ijora and Iganmu, expressing his commitment to supporting initiatives that foster growth in the kingdom. The Ojora Kingdom, which spans areas including Ijora, Apapa, Ajegunle, and Iganmu, has seen significant infrastructure improvements, such as road networks and urban redevelopment, under the current administration.
The dethronement has elicited mixed reactions. Some community members view it as a necessary step to preserve the sanctity of traditional leadership, while others argue it highlights the delicate balance between traditional authority and modern political dynamics. The incident has also reignited discussions about the role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos, where diverse ethnic and political interests converge.
Oba Oyegbemi, who has been on the throne since 1994, is known for his efforts to modernise Ijora and promote unity among its diverse population. His reign has been marked by legal victories, such as the Supreme Court ruling in 2009 affirming the Ojora family’s ownership of Iganmu land, and initiatives to support the less privileged through charitable activities. The monarch’s latest action reinforces his stance on maintaining discipline and upholding the cultural values of the Ojora Kingdom.
As Lagos prepares for its local elections, this development serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between traditional institutions and political activities. The palace has urged all chiefs to adhere strictly to protocol, ensuring that the Ojora Kingdom remains a symbol of unity and progress in the heart of Lagos.