The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to meet his bail conditions.
The spokesperson for the correctional facility, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed this on Wednesday, stating that the monarch remains in custody until he perfects his bail.
“Yes, he is in our custody, which means he has been unable to meet the bail conditions granted by the court yesterday. However, as soon as he does, he will be released.” — Odukoya.
Arraignment and Charges
The Ogun State Police Command arraigned Oba Ogunjobi on Tuesday over a viral video in which he was seen assaulting a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola.
According to the charge sheet (MH2b8c/2025), the suspended monarch was accused of:
- Conspiracy
- Assault
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace
Details of the Charges
- “That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at about 1100 hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire to commit a misdemeanour, to wit: assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”
- “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”
- “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing one Areola Abraham ‘m’ to kneel down and assaulting him in public, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”
Court Ruling and Bail Conditions
- The accused pleaded not guilty before Magistrate F. A. Iroko.
- He was granted bail with two sureties in the sum of ₦5 million each.
- The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
- The case was adjourned to March 6, 2025, for a hearing.
Public Outrage Over Viral Video
The incident sparked widespread condemnation after a two-minute video surfaced showing the monarch verbally and physically assaulting Areola.
In the footage:
- Areola was forced to kneel on the road while the monarch cursed and berated him.
- Ogunjobi accused him of conspiring against his family.
- One of the monarch’s aides slapped the elderly man and ordered him to prostrate before Ogunjobi.
- The monarch, a retired police officer, boasted about his law enforcement connections and threatened to have Areola jailed.
Reactions from Civil Society Groups
- The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Ogun State commended the state government for swiftly suspending the monarch and called for full prosecution.
- The Ogun State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) praised the police and government’s swift action and demanded the arrest of the individual who slapped the victim.
- PCRC Chairman, Samson Kunle Popoola, assured the public that justice would be served and pledged impartiality in human rights matters.
What’s Next?
- Oba Ogunjobi remains in prison custody until his bail conditions are met.
- The case will continue in court on March 6.
- Authorities are expected to track and arrest other accomplices involved in the assault.
This high-profile case highlights the ongoing struggle against abuse of power and human rights violations in Nigeria.
