The Ogun State Government has suspended the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for six months following allegations of misconduct. His suspension comes after a viral video surfaced showing him assaulting a 73-year-old man, Areola Abraham Love JP.
Governor Dapo Abiodun's Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, announced the decision, stating that the monarch’s actions were deemed inappropriate for his status. The decision was reached after an investigation by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council. During the suspension, Oba Ogunjobi has been stripped of his official privileges in line with Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law (2021).
Following the release of the video, the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the monarch’s arrest and prosecution. The group’s National Vice President, Yinka Folarin, accused him of using his influence as a former police officer to intimidate members of the public. According to Folarin, the video evidence confirms that the monarch and his men physically assaulted the elderly man.
Narrating his experience, Areola Abraham said he was on his way to buy food when the Oba called him. Upon responding, he was allegedly slapped multiple times and forced to kneel. The elderly man claimed the monarch boasted of his control over the police, saying nothing would happen if he harmed him. He called on the government for protection, expressing fear for his life.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for further legal action beyond the suspension. Advocacy groups are urging the state government to begin the process of permanently removing the monarch to uphold the dignity of traditional institutions.
