The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to meet his bail conditions.
The spokesperson for the correctional facility, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed on Wednesday that the monarch remained in custody. “Yes, he is in our custody, which means he has been unable to meet the bail conditions granted by the court. However, as soon as he does, he will be released,” Odukoya stated.
The embattled monarch was arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday for his involvement in the assault of a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola, in a widely circulated video. In the footage, the elderly man was forced to kneel while the monarch berated and slapped him, sparking public outrage.
According to the charge sheet, the monarch was accused of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, offences punishable under Sections 517, 351, and 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
During his arraignment before Magistrate F.A. Iroko, Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty. The court granted him bail, with conditions set at N5 million and two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to March 6, 2025 for further hearing.
The viral video triggered widespread condemnation, with civil society organisations and advocacy groups commending the swift action taken by the Ogun State government.
In a statement, Comrade Solomon Bankole, chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Ogun State, praised the government for suspending Ogunjobi and called for his full prosecution. Similarly, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) urged law enforcement to arrest other accomplices involved in the assault.
The PCRC Chairman, Samson Kunle Popoola, reaffirmed the committee’s stance on protecting residents’ fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to arrest the individual who struck Areola during the incident.
