By Emamuzo Iboma
Six traditional chiefs have been stripped of their titles by the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, for attending the Labour Party campaign flag-off in Apapa, Lagos State, where they allegedly impersonated the monarch without his consent.
The affected chiefs are 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).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the palace confirmed their dismissal, stressing that no chief within the kingdom is permitted to act on behalf of the monarch without prior approval.
According to the statement, the event was conducted without the knowledge of the monarch, prompting him to summon the affected chiefs and the Ojora Council to the palace for clarification.
In addressing the matter, Oba Oyegbemi expressed deep disappointment and emphasized that their actions constituted a breach of palace protocol. He reminded all chiefs that they serve to represent him and are not authorized to make independent decisions or perform public duties in his name without explicit consent.
The dethronement of the six chiefs, the statement concluded, reflects the monarch’s resolve to maintain discipline, uphold traditional order, and preserve the integrity of the kingdom’s leadership structure.
