Ogun Monarch Suspended, Interrogated for Assaulting 73-Year-Old Chief
The Ogun State Police Command has interrogated the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, following public outrage over his alleged physical and verbal assault of a 73-year-old chief, Areola Abraham. The state government has also slammed a six-month suspension on the traditional ruler for conduct unbecoming of a royal figure.
The controversy erupted after a viral video surfaced, showing Oba Ogunjobi reportedly insulting and physically intimidating the elderly chief. In the two-minute clip, Areola was seen kneeling on the road as the monarch accused him of conspiracy, hurled curses at him and his family, and boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies. At one point, one of the king’s aides slapped the elderly chief and ordered him to prostrate before the monarch.
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Reacting to the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed via a post on his X handle that the monarch had been invited and interrogated by the police on Monday. He assured Nigerians that justice would prevail, emphasizing that no individual could claim control over the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“The Oba has been invited and interrogated today by the command. The matter is being looked into for justice to prevail. Nobody can claim to be controlling the NPF. Justice must be served by all means.” — ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has announced a six-month suspension of Oba Ogunjobi, citing his public misconduct as a major factor. The decision was reached after the monarch and his victim were summoned for questioning by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government stated that Oba Ogunjobi has been stripped of his traditional authority pending further investigations. “This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi, as evident on social media and in the larger public space. After an investigation into the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise.”
The suspension was executed in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council, under Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.
Stakeholders, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), public commentators, and concerned citizens, have strongly condemned the monarch’s actions, calling for further disciplinary measures to uphold the dignity of traditional institutions.
