The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba Abdul Fatai Oyegbemi, has suspended six traditional chiefs for attending a Labour Party (LP) campaign rally without obtaining his prior approval.
The suspension was announced after a palace meeting held on Monday, where the monarch expressed strong disapproval over the chiefs’ unauthorized presence at the LP campaign flag-off held in the Apapa area of Lagos State on Saturday.
Oba Oyegbemi accused the chiefs of breaching palace protocols and misrepresenting the throne at a political gathering. The suspended 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)
According to an official statement from the palace, the monarch summoned the affected chiefs, along with members of the Ojora Councils, for clarification after learning of their involvement in the rally.
“In a tone marked by disappointment and authority, Kabiyesi stated that the chiefs’ actions were a clear violation of their duties,” the statement read. “He emphasized that no chief is permitted to act or speak on his behalf without his express consent. Their primary role is to represent and uphold the traditions and authority of the palace.”
The statement further noted that the suspension serves as a firm measure to preserve order and discipline within the kingdom’s leadership structure.
During the meeting, Oba Oyegbemi also praised the ongoing developmental projects by the current administration in Ojora land and reaffirmed his support for the government’s efforts to promote progress in the area.
The rally, which was led by LP chieftain Francis Chima, popularly known as Omobarca, had highlighted the presence of the six chiefs as a show of strong grassroots backing for the party. Chima applauded the traditional leaders for their community development efforts and encouraged LP candidates to remain focused as elections approach.
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government has not issued an official response to the development.
