Ogun State Suspends King for Assaulting Elderly Chief
Ogun State has suspended Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, for six months following the circulation of a disturbing video in which he was seen physically assaulting a 73-year-old titled chief, Areola Abraham Love JP.
The suspension came after an inquiry by Ganiyu Hamzat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, who called both the monarch and his victim to provide statements. The decision to suspend the Oba was announced by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a statement released on Monday.
Akinmade explained that the suspension followed widespread public outrage due to the monarch’s actions, which were captured in the viral video. “The misconduct of the Oba, including his reckless behavior, led to his suspension and the temporary removal of the Olorile-Ifo stool’s insignia,” he stated. The suspension will remain in effect until further investigations determine the Oba’s culpability. The decision was made in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council and in accordance with the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law of 2021.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian police have also questioned Oba Ogunjobi in connection with the incident. In addition to his suspension, human rights groups have called for his immediate arrest. The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding that the monarch face legal consequences for the assault that occurred on January 21.
Yinka Folarin, the CDHR National Vice President, condemned Oba Ogunjobi’s actions, accusing him of using his past as a police officer to intimidate others. The victim, Elder Areola Abraham Love, who was reportedly on his way to buy food when the incident occurred, recounted that the Oba summoned him, then slapped, kicked, and forced him to kneel and prostrate while allegedly accompanied by his aides.
The CDHR has emphasized that no one, regardless of their status, should be above the law, and has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi.
