CITIZENS COMPASS– The Ogun State government has vowed to investigate a disturbing viral video in which a monarch in Ifo Local Government was assaulting a man, Chief Arinola Abraham Love.
The video which went viral over the weekend, captured the man allegedly being dehumanised by the Oloorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi.
Also, the two-minute clip captured Chief Arinola kneeling by the roadside while a man, whose face is not visible but is alleged to be Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, rains curses on him and his family, accusing him of conspiracy.
The monarch was reported to be a retired police officer, boasting about his influence over the Nigeria Police and threatening to send the chief to jail without consequences.
At one point, a man standing with the monarch who was speaking in Yoruba Language gave a slap to Chief Arinola, demanding he prostrate before the monarch. Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, speaking in Yoruba, is heard saying:
“You are a conspirator. It will never be well with you, your wife, and your children. Whoever thinks he is courageous enough should come out to face me… Even if you die, we shall bury you and nothing will happen.”
Reacting to the viral footage, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, condemned the incident, calling it “horrible and inappropriate.” He assured that the government would investigate the matter and take necessary action if the allegations were confirmed.
Similarly, Emmanuel Ojo, Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, also denounced the incident in a post on his verified Facebook page. He described the monarch’s behavior as “unbefitting of a traditional ruler”, stressing that there were more civilized ways to resolve disputes.
He explained that the altercation allegedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute, with Oba Semiu Ogunjobi reportedly angered by Chief Arinola’s perceived support for another traditional ruler, Coronet Oba Wasiu.
“Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues,” Ojo wrote. “There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”
As the Ogun State government initiates its investigation, Nigerians continue to express outrage over the incident, calling for strict action against any form of abuse of power by traditional rulers.
—Vanguard
