- In a video clip, an elderly man Areola Abraham was seen prostrating and subjected to verbal abuse and assault by the traditional ruler
The Ogun State government on Monday suspended Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo family, for six months over his alleged public attack and dehumanisation of a 73-year-old man, Chief Abraham Areola.
In a video clip, an elderly man Areola Abraham was seen prostrating and subjected to verbal abuse and assault by the traditional ruler.
Ganiu Hazmat, the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, disclosed in a statement in Abeokuta that Ogunjobi’s conduct was not befitting the status of a king.
Hamzat explained that the government’s decision was in a bid to ensure the dignity of persons and the protection of the traditional institution’s sanctity.
The commissioner noted that the decision was reached after the traditional ruler and his victim were invited to the Ministry for interrogation.
He said their invitation became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the traditional ruler as evident in a viral video on social media.
“After the investigation conducted on the matter, Oba Ogunjobi has been suspended. He has been stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile of Orile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise in the matter,” Hamzat said.
The commissioner said the decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council.
“This was in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021,” he said.
Hamzat added that the state government would not condone acts of indignity on any of its residents by anybody, no matter how highly placed.
Meanwhile, Ogun police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, said in a statement that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter.
“The command will ensure that justice is served and members of the public will be abreast of relevant updates in due course,” the spokesperson said.
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