Ogun State Government to Investigate Monarch for Assaulting Subject in Viral Video
The Ogun State government has responded to a disturbing viral video showing the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, humiliating one of his subjects, Chief Arinola Abraham Love, describing the incident as deeply inappropriate and inhumane.
In the video, which lasts two minutes, Oba Ogunjobi is seen cursing Chief Arinola, who is kneeling on the road while the monarch angrily accuses him of conspiring against him. The royal figure also claimed to have control over the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), threatening to imprison the chief no matter the cost.
The video further shows the monarch taunting that he could bury the chief without consequence if he died and removing the chief’s cap to add to his humiliation. During this tirade, one of Oba Ogunjobi’s aides physically assaulted Chief Arinola, slapping him and ordering him to lie flat on his stomach before the angry monarch.
Oba Ogunjobi can be heard in the video, saying, “You are a conspirator; it will never be well with you, your wife, and your children. Whoever thinks they can stand against me should come forward. Even if you die, we will bury you, and nothing will happen.”
In response, Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, condemned the incident, calling it “horrible” and “unacceptable.” He assured that the matter would be investigated thoroughly, with appropriate action taken if the claims were confirmed.
Emmanuel Ojo, the Governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, also criticized the monarch’s actions in a Facebook post. He expressed shock over the public humiliation and physical assault of Chief Arinola, describing it as “completely unjustifiable,” no matter the underlying issues.
Ojo noted that the incident appeared to be related to a dispute over kingship, with Oba Ogunjobi reportedly taking offense at Chief Arinola’s support for another Oba, named Wasiu. Despite any potential grievances, Ojo emphasized that such behavior was unacceptable for any traditional ruler and that conflicts should be resolved with dignity and respect, not force and public humiliation.
The governor’s aides both agreed that there are lawful and respectful ways to handle disputes among traditional leaders, and that violence and humiliation should never be the answer.
