Oba Oyegbemi Dethrones Six Chiefs for Impersonation, Breach of Palace Protocol

In a decisive move to reinforce discipline and uphold royal traditions, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Aromire Oyegbemi, has removed six Chiefs from office for violating palace protocols and impersonating the monarch at a political gathering.

The affected traditional figures are Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira), Chief Idris Oladipupo Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Raji Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).

The dethronement followed a crucial palace meeting held on Monday, June 30, 2025, during which Oba Oyegbemi publicly condemned the Chiefs’ conduct as an affront to the customs of the Ojora Kingdom.

According to a statement issued by the palace, the Chiefs attended a Labour Party campaign flag-off event in Apapa without prior approval from the monarch, a move interpreted as a grave act of impersonation and disrespect for the throne.

“Following the outcome of this unauthorized engagement, which occurred without His Royal Majesty’s consent or awareness, Kabiyesi summoned the Bales, Balogun, and members of the Ojora Council to his ancestral palace for clarification,” the statement read.

In a strongly worded address during the meeting, the monarch expressed disappointment over the Chiefs’ actions, stating that no traditional leader under his authority is permitted to make political appearances or decisions on behalf of the kingdom without his explicit permission.

Oba Oyegbemi emphasized that the roles of the Chiefs are to represent him honorably and safeguard the cultural integrity of the Ojora Kingdom. Their breach of this sacred duty, he noted, warranted immediate disciplinary action to prevent further erosion of palace values.

“The removal of these six Chiefs reflects Kabiyesi’s unwavering commitment to order, discipline, and the preservation of traditional authority within the realm,” the statement noted.

The monarch also used the opportunity to commend the current administration for its ongoing developmental strides within Ojora Land. He reaffirmed his continued support for the government’s initiatives aimed at advancing the progress and prosperity of the kingdom.

The incident, palace observers say, serves as a stern reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and unity between traditional institutions and their representatives in the socio-political landscape.