Ogun Monarch Faces Court Over Viral Assault Video

The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been arraigned before the Ifo Magistrate Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

Ogunjobi, a retired police officer, was arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday following a viral video that showed him allegedly assaulting, verbally abusing, and threatening to kill an elderly man, Mr. Areola Abraham.

The Ogun State Government had earlier suspended the monarch for six months over what it described as “uncivil conduct,” stripping him of the paraphernalia of his stool pending further investigations.

The controversy began when a two-minute video surfaced online, showing the traditional ruler physically and verbally attacking one of his chiefs, Arinola Abraham. In the footage, Abraham was seen kneeling on the road while Ogunjobi cursed him and his family, accusing him of conspiracy. The monarch also allegedly boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies and threatened to jail the chief.

Following public outrage, the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hamzat, announced the monarch’s suspension, citing the need to uphold the dignity of the traditional institution and protect the sanctity of persons. The decision, Hamzat said, was reached after both Ogunjobi and his victim were interrogated by the ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council, in line with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State, 2021.

Despite his arraignment, Ogunjobi was granted bail, and the case has been adjourned to March 6 for further hearing.