The Ogun State Government has vowed to investigate a viral video showing the Oloorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, allegedly subjecting Chief Arinola Abraham to dehumanising treatment.
In the two-minute clip, Abraham was seen kneeling on a road while a man, believed to be Oba Ogunjobi, hurled curses at him and his family, accusing him of conspiracy.
The monarch, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies and threatened to imprison the chief.
At one point, a man accompanying the traditional ruler slapped Abraham and ordered him to prostrate before the king.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the act as “inappropriate and inhumane.”
He assured that the government would investigate the matter and take necessary action if the allegations were proven.
Similarly, the governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, condemned the incident in a Facebook post, stressing that traditional disputes should be resolved through civil means.
“This act is highly condemnable and unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues,” Ojo wrote. “There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders. Resorting to assault and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”
The incident is reportedly linked to a kingship supremacy dispute, with Oba Ogunjobi allegedly angered by Abraham’s perceived support for a rival traditional leader.
The Ogun State Government has assured the public that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, with appropriate actions taken to uphold justice and preserve the dignity of traditional institutions.
