Suspended Ogun monarch arraigned for assaulting 73-year-old man

The Ogun State Police Command has arraigned the suspended Olorile of Orile Ifo, Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi, for allegedly assaulting a 73-year-old man, Elder Abraham Areola.

The embattled traditional ruler appeared in court on Tuesday on a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

According to the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the suspended Oba pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at N5 million, with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to March 6 for further hearing.

Background of the Incident

The Ogun State government, in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council, had suspended Oba Ogunjobi on Monday after a viral video surfaced showing him physically assaulting Elder Areola.

In the video, the monarch, along with unidentified accomplices, was seen beating the elderly man while accusing him of betrayal. He was also heard cursing and threatening to bury the victim without a trace if he died from the attack.

Initially, Oba Ogunjobi denied involvement, but according to the Committee for Human Rights, he later confessed at the Eleweran headquarters of the Ogun State Police Command. Reports also claim that he offered the victim a plot of land in an attempt to settle the matter.

The former police officer and his wife, who is also a police officer, have allegedly been using their influence to intimidate residents and disrupt the peace in Orile Ifo.