Ogun to probe monarch over assault

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Ogun State government has promised to probe a now-viral video capturing the Oloorile of Orile Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, allegedly subjecting one of his Chiefs, Arinola Abraham to dehumanisation.

In a short video clip, Arinola was seen kneeling on the road, while a man, said to be Ogunjobi, accused him of conspiracy, cursing him and his family.

The traditional ruler who according to report is a retired police officer, also boasted in the video of his influence over law enforcement agencies, stating that “I own the Nigeria Police” threatening to jail the chief.

One of the men with the traditional ruler later slapped Arinola asking him to prostrate before the monarch.

Speaking in Yoruba, Ogunjobi said, “You are a traitor, it will never be well with you, your wife and children whoever thinks he is courageous enough should come out to face me, even if you die, we shall bury you and nothing will happen.”

However, while reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, decried the maltreatment of Chief Arinola, calling it horrific and unacceptable.

Also, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo in a post via his verified Facebook handle also condemned the disposition of the monarch in the video, saying the situation could have been handled in a more civilised way.

“I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault. In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Ọba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo.

“This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.

“The king allegedly took offense at Chief Arinola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler.

“Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues.

“There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”