Oba Oyegbemi sacks six chiefs for attending Labour Party event without palace approval.
Monarch says action breached tradition, warns council members against politicizing royal duties.
The traditional ruler of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has dismissed six palace chiefs for attending a political campaign event organized by the Labour Party without his prior knowledge or approval.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Oba Oyegbemi described the actions of the chiefs as a gross violation of palace protocol and an affront to the dignity of the traditional institution. According to the monarch, the chiefs not only attended the event held in Apapa but also gave the impression that they were official representatives of the throne.
The monarch condemned their conduct as both “misleading and disrespectful,” stating that it amounted to impersonation. He emphasized that no individual within the traditional council is permitted to act or speak on behalf of the palace without his direct authorization.
The dismissed chiefs include:
- 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
- Chief Sule Balogun, Balogun of Abule Kere
Oba Oyegbemi explained that the decision followed a palace meeting held on Monday, which involved the implicated chiefs and members of the Ojora Council. During the session, the monarch expressed his disappointment over their decision to attend a partisan event without due consultation or approval from the palace authority.
He reiterated that traditional titleholders are expected to remain apolitical in public conduct, serving as neutral custodians of culture and heritage rather than aligning with any political entity. According to him, such actions compromise the neutrality and unity expected of the kingdom’s leadership.
“The integrity of this palace cannot be compromised,” Oba Oyegbemi said. “Our chiefs are meant to be symbols of discipline, tradition, and loyalty. Any action that brings the institution into disrepute will be met with necessary consequences.”
The king further stated that the removal of the six chiefs was imperative to preserve the sanctity of traditional rulership and to send a clear message that disloyalty and impersonation would not be tolerated.
Beyond the disciplinary action, the monarch used the opportunity to commend the Lagos State Government for ongoing developmental projects in the Ijora and Iganmu areas. He expressed appreciation for the administration’s efforts in improving infrastructure and social services within the community.
Oba Oyegbemi also urged the remaining members of the palace council to uphold the values of transparency, loyalty, and cooperation. He called on them to focus on promoting peace and fostering stronger relationships between the traditional institution and government bodies for the continued progress of the kingdom.
The palace emphasized that it remains committed to safeguarding its traditions while supporting initiatives that benefit the broader community.
