The Ogun State Police Command has interrogated the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, over the alleged assault of one of his chiefs, Arinola Abraham.
The interrogation followed the circulation of a viral video showing the monarch verbally and physically abusing Arinola. In the two-minute clip, Arinola was seen kneeling on the road as a man, alleged to be Oba Ogunjobi, hurled curses at him and his family, accusing him of conspiracy. The monarch, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasted about his influence over law enforcement, threatening to imprison the chief. At one point, a man accompanying the Oba slapped Arinola and ordered him to prostrate before the king.
The video sparked widespread outrage, prompting police intervention.
Confirming the development on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the monarch had been invited and interrogated. He assured the public that justice would be served, adding that no individual could control the police.
“The Oba has been invited and interrogated today by the command. The matter is being looked into to ensure justice prevails. Nobody can claim to control the Nigeria Police Force. Justice must be served,” Adejobi wrote on X.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has suspended Oba Ogunjobi for six months over his conduct, which it described as unbecoming of a traditional ruler.
In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, said the suspension followed an investigation by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.
“This became necessary due to the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi, which have gone viral on social media and drawn public condemnation. After thorough investigation, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of his stool pending the determination of his culpability,” the statement read.
Akinmade added that the decision was taken in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council, in line with Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law, 2021.
Similarly, the Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged assault.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Monday, assured that the police were committed to upholding justice and fundamental human rights.
“The Ogun State Police Command has taken cognizance of a disturbing video showing Mr. Arinola Abraham being subjected to verbal abuse and assault by Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi. Given the gravity of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough investigation,” the statement read.
Odutola confirmed that both parties had been at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, to present their accounts of the incident.
“The Ogun State Police Command unequivocally condemns any form of assault, harassment, and violence, regardless of who is involved. Justice will be served, and the public will be kept informed of further developments,” she added.
The investigation remains ongoing as the state government and security agencies work towards ensuring accountability.
