The Ogun State Government has suspended the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for six months following allegations of misconduct and assault against a 73-year-old man, Areola Abraham.
The decision was announced on Monday after an official inquiry into the incident. (image: Naija parrots)
According to a statement by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, the suspension was enacted after Oba Ogunjobi and the victim were summoned by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
The state government cited the monarch’s behavior as unbecoming of a traditional ruler, referencing public outcry and viral footage of the alleged assault.
The investigation, carried out in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council, resulted in the temporary withdrawal of Oba Ogunjobi’s royal privileges, pending a final determination on the case.
The government acted under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law of 2021, emphasizing that traditional leaders must uphold dignity and respect in their conduct.
Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has called for legal action against the suspended monarch. The group, through its National Vice President, Yinka Folarin, petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging immediate arrest and prosecution of Ogunjobi.
Folarin accused the Oba of a history of intimidation, claiming he frequently operates with a group of enforcers to harass residents. He described the viral video as clear evidence of Ogunjobi’s alleged wrongdoing, where the elderly victim was subjected to physical and verbal abuse.
“The victim, Elder Areola Abraham Love JP, was assaulted and humiliated. He was slapped multiple times, forced to kneel, and publicly disgraced. This is unacceptable behavior for a traditional leader,” Folarin stated.
The CDHR further demanded that the Ogun State Government initiate steps toward removing Ogunjobi permanently, arguing that his actions have tarnished the image of the traditional institution. The group insisted that justice must be served to reinforce that no individual is above the law, regardless of status.
Speaking on the incident, the victim, Areola Abraham, expressed fear for his life. He alleged that the monarch had previously boasted about his influence over law enforcement, claiming he could act with impunity.
“He told me he could kill me and nothing would happen. I am now living in fear. I am calling on the government to protect me,” Abraham stated.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for the actions of the suspended monarch.
