The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been arraigned before the Ifo Magistrate Court following allegations of assault, conspiracy, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
Ogunjobi was brought before the court by the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, facing a three-count charge in connection with an incident that has sparked widespread outrage. This comes after his suspension by the Ogun State Government due to his alleged uncivil conduct, which was highlighted in a viral video showing the monarch verbally and physically assaulting Mr. Areola Abraham, an elderly man.
In the video, which quickly gained attention online, Ogunjobi is seen verbally abusing Abraham, accusing him of conspiracy, and even threatening to kill him. The monarch, a retired police officer, is also heard boasting of his influence over law enforcement and threatening to have the chief jailed.
Following the viral incident, Ogunjobi was suspended by the Ogun State Government for six months. The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hamzat, condemned the monarch’s actions as unbecoming of a traditional ruler. He explained that the suspension was intended to protect the dignity of the traditional institution and uphold the sanctity of the office.
The commissioner stated that Ogunjobi’s suspension followed an investigation into the matter, during which both the monarch and his victim were questioned. As part of the suspension, Ogunjobi has been stripped of the paraphernalia associated with his title as Olorile of Orile-Ifo, pending the resolution of the case.
The decision to suspend Ogunjobi was made in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council and in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021.
Ogunjobi has been granted bail, and the case has been adjourned to March 6 for further hearing.
