The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Ogun State, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions set by an Ifo Magistrate Court.
The spokesman of the Ogun State Correctional Centres, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed the development, stating that the monarch remains in custody until he fulfills the court’s requirements.
“He is in our custody, which means he was unable to perfect the bail conditions granted by the court. However, once he meets them, he will be released,” Odukoya said.
The Ogun State Police Command arraigned Oba Ogunjobi following a viral video that captured him assaulting a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector O. Awoleke, presented a charge sheet in the Magistrate Court, accusing the monarch of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The charge stated that on January 21, 2025, Oba Ogunjobi, along with others still at large, allegedly assaulted Areola by slapping him in the face and ear. The charge further claimed that he publicly humiliated the elderly man by forcing him to kneel and assaulting him in the presence of others.
Oba Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, F.A. Iroko, granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned until March 6, 2025 for further hearing.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ogun State commended the state government for suspending the monarch for six months. They condemned the actions of Oba Ogunjobi, who, according to the CSOs, humiliated the elderly Areola, a man who could have been his father.
Comrade Solomon Bankole, chairman of the CSOs, expressed his disgust at the video, saying it was a clear violation of Yoruba cultural values.
“It is against our tradition and values to have children physically assaulting elders, let alone a traditional ruler overseeing such a public humiliation,” Bankole stated.
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) also praised the state government and the police for their swift response. The PCRC called for the arrest of the individual who slapped Areola.
Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola, the PCRC Chairman, reassured the public of their unbiased stance in matters affecting human rights.
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