LAGOS, Nigeria — The traditional ruler of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Fatai Aromire, has dethroned six high-ranking chiefs for attending the flag-off of the Labour Party’s campaign rally without palace approval.
The decision, confirmed in an official palace statement, has stirred controversy within the local community and across Nigeria’s political landscape, raising concerns about traditional authority being used to stifle political association.
According to the monarch, the chiefs’ attendance at the opposition party’s campaign event amounted to a violation of palace protocols and a betrayal of their oath of allegiance to the royal institution.
“The actions of these chiefs were inconsistent with the expected conduct of royal cabinet members,” Oba Aromire said. “Their presence at the rally was a clear disregard for the integrity of the throne.”
Dethroned Chiefs: The six affected chiefs are:
Chief Kehinde Oshodi – Bada of Ijora
Chief Muyideen Ojora – Aro of Ijora
Chief Ganiyu Adele – Eletu of Ijora
Chief Lateef Akinboro – Ashipa of Ijora
Chief Taofeek Aremu – Odofin of Ijora
Chief Wasiu Alabi – Aro of Iganmu
Their removal was finalized during a palace council session, following what the monarch described as internal investigations into their conduct.
Palace Defends Action:The palace maintained that traditional leaders are expected to remain politically neutral, especially in a highly polarized electoral environment. Palace spokesman Alhaji Jamiu Ogunniyi said the chiefs’ attendance at the Labour Party event could be misconstrued as political endorsement, thereby jeopardizing the non-partisan standing of the monarchy.
“These individuals were not just ordinary citizens; they were titleholders bound by the codes and customs of the land. Their actions were in breach of that trust,” Ogunniyi stated.
Legal and Civic Concerns :However, the move has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and legal commentators, who argue it infringes on constitutionally guaranteed rights.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong condemned the dethronement as “an abuse of power,” saying traditional authorities have no legal right to penalize citizens for participating in lawful political activities.
“Under the Nigerian constitution, every citizen has the right to political association. That includes traditional chiefs. Their removal on political grounds is unlawful and undemocratic,” Effiong said.
Community Reaction:The development has divided opinion in Ijora and Iganmu, with some residents supporting the monarch’s disciplinary stance, while others describe the move as excessive and politically motivated.
A resident, who asked not to be named, told Daily Observer: “The chiefs went there on their own, not in any official capacity. Stripping them of their titles because of a political rally sends the wrong message.”
Broader Context: The incident underscores the delicate intersection between traditional authority and democratic freedoms in Nigeria. The Labour Party, which has gained increasing popularity among young voters, especially in Lagos, has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.
The dethronement also highlights the ongoing tension between political loyalty and traditional customs, particularly in states where monarchs wield significant informal influence in public affairs.
Legal experts say the affected chiefs may challenge the decision in court, citing violations of their civil liberties. For now, the situation continues to generate debate over the role of monarchs in a modern democratic society.
