Lagos Monarch Dethrones Chiefs Over Labour Party Event

Lagos Monarch Dethrones Chiefs Over Labour Party Event

Introduction: A Clash Between Tradition and Constitutional Rights

In a move that has sparked national debate, the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyeyinka Aremu Aromire Oyegbemi, recently dethroned six traditional chiefs for attending the campaign flag-off of the Labour Party in Apapa, Lagos. While the monarch defended his decision on the grounds of protocol and loyalty, legal experts and civil rights advocates warn that such action may violate constitutional rights, particularly the right to freedom of association as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

This unprecedented development has opened a deeper conversation about the role of traditional institutions in modern democratic societies, and whether customary authority can override individual political freedom.

The Incident: Tradition Meets Politics

According to a statement from the palace, the six chiefs 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)—were removed from their positions after they attended a Labour Party campaign event on June 30, 2025, without the monarch's consent.

Oba Oyegbemi argued that the chiefs had breached protocol and acted in a way that undermined the traditional structure of leadership. "No Chief should make decisions or act on my behalf without my explicit consent," the monarch declared.

While the palace portrayed the move as a necessary disciplinary action to preserve the integrity of the royal institution, critics say this decision blatantly infringes on constitutional freedoms.

The Constitutional Breach: Freedom of Association at Risk

Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees every citizen the right to freely associate with political parties or groups of their choice under Section 40. The section states:

“Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons... for the protection of his interests, including the right to form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.”

By punishing these chiefs solely for attending a political rally an event within their civic rights as Nigerian citizens the monarch’s action raises serious legal and ethical concerns. Are traditional leaders within their rights to curtail constitutionally protected freedoms? Can allegiance to monarchy override national laws?

The Danger of Authoritarian Traditionalism

While traditional rulers hold symbolic and sometimes administrative authority in Nigeria, especially at the community level, they are not above the Constitution. Their powers, derived largely from customary law, are meant to complement democratic governance, not challenge it.

This incident reflects a troubling trend where traditional institutions, instead of adapting to democratic norms, attempt to enforce feudal loyalty at the expense of individual liberty. Such actions, if left unchecked, could embolden other monarchs to suppress political expression, stifle dissent, and manipulate local politics under the guise of tradition.

It also sets a dangerous precedent where citizens are penalized not by the rule of law, but by royal decree a relic of colonial and pre-colonial governance that modern Nigeria has sought to move beyond.

Political Neutrality vs. Political Participation

Another dimension of the incident lies in the expected neutrality of traditional rulers and their council members. Many argue that chiefs and monarchs, as custodians of the people, should avoid overt political affiliation to maintain unity in their communities.

However, attending a campaign event does not automatically imply partisan endorsement, nor does it justify punitive measures. It is possible and constitutionally acceptable for traditional chiefs to observe political developments, engage with different parties, and still maintain neutrality.

More importantly, the chiefs, as Nigerian citizens, have every right to participate in the political process as voters, advocates, or even candidates unless specifically barred by statutory or customary laws, and even then, within the limits of the Constitution.

Civil Society Reacts

Civil rights organizations have condemned the monarch's actions, calling for immediate legal redress and public discourse. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in a brief statement, criticized the dethronement as "an abuse of traditional authority and a direct violation of civic rights."

Legal practitioners also insist that any attempt to remove a person from office—traditional or otherwise—based on political association should be subject to judicial review, especially when fundamental rights are involved.

Some are calling on the Lagos State Government and National Human Rights Commission to investigate the case and set clearer boundaries between traditional governance and constitutional law.

What’s at Stake: Democracy or Deference?

At its core, this case is not merely about six chiefs losing their titles. It’s a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values. If political participation becomes punishable by traditional rulers, the country risks sliding into a hybrid system where authoritarian customs override national law.

Traditional rulers have a respected role in preserving culture, mediating disputes, and guiding moral values. But they must respect the Constitution, the rights of individuals, and the principles of democratic engagement. Leadership by fear or force is unsustainable and unlawful.

Conclusion: A Moment for Legal Reflection and Reform

The dethronement of the six Lagos chiefs serves as a critical reminder that constitutional rights must be safeguarded at every level of governance, including within traditional institutions. While customs deserve respect, they must not be weaponized against political freedom.

This is a call to civic actors, legislators, and the judiciary to establish clearer legal guidelines on the limits of traditional authority particularly when it intersects with fundamental human rights. The law must not bend to royalty; it must protect the people.

Call to Action:

Speak up for democracy. Share this article. Demand accountability. Do you believe traditional rulers should have the power to punish political activity? Let’s talk in the comments and keep the Constitution above all.

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