A combined photo of Oba Semiu Ogunjobi and Chief Arinola Abraham
By Akeem Atoyebi
The Ogun State Government has vowed to probe a viral video showing the Oloorile of Orile Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, allegedly torturing Chief Arinola Abraham. In the video, the monarch subjected Abraham to inhumane, dehumanising treatment.
In the two-minute clip, Arinola was seen kneeling on the road while a man, who was identified as Ogunjobi, cursed him and his family while accusing him of conspiracy.
The monarch, said to be a retired police officer, also boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies, threatening to jail the chief.
At one point, a man identified as aide of the monarch who accompanied the traditional ruler slapped Arinola and ordered him to prostrate before the king.
Ogunjobi, who spoke in Yoruba, said “You are a conspirator, it will never be well with you… your wife and 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 video, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the act as “inappropriate and inhumane.”
Akinmade said, “This will be investigated, and if proven to be true, necessary action will be taken.”
Similarly, the governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, condemned the incident in a Facebook post, stating that such matters should be handled in a more civilised manner.
Ojo wrote, “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault.
“In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Ọba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo.
“This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.
“The king allegedly took offence at Chief Arinola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler.
“Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues.
“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.”
