Traditional Ruler Suspended After Assault Allegations

The Ogun State Government has suspended the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for six months due to his inappropriate conduct, which officials say is unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

The suspension follows an investigation into an incident involving Oba Ogunjobi and a 73-year-old man, Areola Abraham. According to Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, both parties were questioned by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

Akinmade stated that the suspension was a result of the Oba’s “reckless utterances and public misconduct,” which had gained significant attention on social media. He confirmed that the decision, which included stripping the Oba of his royal paraphernalia, was made in consultation with the Egba Traditional Council, under the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.

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Meanwhile, the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for the arrest and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi. The group is seeking justice following the release of a viral video showing the Oba physically assaulting Abraham.
Yinka Folarin, CDHR’s National Vice President, explained that the video showed Oba Ogunjobi slapping Abraham and ordering his security to further assault him. Folarin condemned the Oba for his alleged use of thugs to intimidate and harass members of the public, leveraging his influence as a former police officer.

The victim, Elder Areola Abraham, has spoken out about the attack, saying he was assaulted without provocation. According to Abraham, he was approached by Oba Ogunjobi while on his way to get food and, after crossing the road to acknowledge the royal, was slapped, kicked, and forced to kneel and prostrate.
“I did nothing to deserve such treatment,” Abraham said, adding that he now lives in fear for his safety. “He threatened to kill me and said nothing would happen because he controls the police.”

The CDHR has urged both the Ogun State government and the police to take swift action, with the group calling for the removal of Oba Ogunjobi from office. They argue that his behaviour undermines the respect and dignity of traditional institutions.