Ogun State, Nigeria – February 5, 2025 — The Ogun State Police Command has interrogated the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, following public outrage over a viral video showing him verbally and physically assaulting a 73-year-old chief, Areola Abraham.

The monarch’s actions, which sparked widespread condemnation, have also led to his six-month suspension by the Ogun State Government.

In the widely circulated two-minute video, Chief Areola was seen kneeling on the road as the monarch accused him of conspiracy, hurling insults at him and his family. The traditional ruler, reportedly a retired police officer, boasted about his influence over law enforcement and threatened to jail the elderly chief. The footage further showed an individual accompanying the king slapping Areola and forcing him to prostrate.

Police and Government Response

Providing an update on the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed via his X handle on Monday that Oba Ogunjobi had been invited and interrogated. He emphasized that no individual had control over the Nigeria Police Force, vowing that justice would be served.

“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,” Adejobi stated.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government, citing the monarch’s “uncivil conduct,” announced his immediate suspension for six months.

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, stated that Oba Ogunjobi and his victim had been summoned by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, for interrogation before the decision was reached.

“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,” Akinmade stated.

Under the suspension, Oba Ogunjobi has been stripped of all traditional rights and paraphernalia of office, pending further investigation into his actions. The decision was taken in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council under Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.

Public Outrage and Calls for Justice

The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), public commentators, and Nigerians across social media platforms. Many have called for strict action against the monarch to serve as a deterrent against abuse of power by traditional rulers.

With both the police and the state government taking decisive action, observers await the outcome of further investigations to determine the monarch’s fate.