The Ogun State government has suspended the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for six months after a viral video surfaced showing him physically assaulting a 73-year-old titled chief, Areola Abraham Love JP. The embattled monarch is also facing possible arrest as human rights groups call for his prosecution.
The suspension was announced on Monday by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade. According to Akinmade, the decision was taken after an investigation and an interrogation led by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who summoned both the monarch and the victim.
“This became imperative due to the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi, which have gone viral on social media and caused public outrage,” Akinmade said. The suspension was executed in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council, in line with Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law (2021).
Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi. In a statement, CDHR National Vice President, Yinka Folarin, condemned the assault and accused the monarch of using his past experience as a police officer to intimidate citizens.
“The viral video clearly shows the brutal assault on 73-year-old Elder Areola Abraham Love JP,” Folarin said. “The elderly man, who was on his way to get food, was called over by the Oba. Out of respect, he complied, only to be slapped repeatedly, kicked, and forced to kneel and prostrate by the monarch and his suspected thugs.”
The CDHR stressed that Oba Ogunjobi must be held accountable and reminded the public that no one is above the law, regardless of their status.
The Nigerian police have confirmed that the embattled monarch has been invited and interrogated over the incident. However, the call for his prosecution continues to gain momentum from human rights groups and concerned citizens.
