The Ogun State Government has vowed to investigate a viral video showing the Oloorile of Orile Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, allegedly subjecting Chief Arinola Abraham to dehumanising treatment.
In the two-minute clip, Arinola was seen kneeling on the road while a man, said to be Ogunjobi, cursed him and his family while accusing him of conspiracy.
The monarch, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies, threatening to jail the chief.
At one point, a man accompanying the traditional ruler slapped Arinola and ordered him to prostrate before the king.
Ogunjobi, who spoke in Yoruba, said โYou are a conspirator, it will never be well with youโฆ your wife and childrenโฆ whoever thinks he is courageous enough should come out to face meโฆeven if you die, we shall bury you and nothing will happenโฆ.โ
Reacting to the video, Governor Dapo Abiodunโs Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the act as โinappropriate and inhumane.โ
In a response to PUNCH Onlineโs inquiry, Akinmade said, โThis will be investigated, and if proven to be true, necessary action will be taken.โ
Similarly, the governorโs 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, โI came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault.
โIn the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as แปba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo.
โThis incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.
โThe king allegedly took offence at Chief Arinola Abraham Loveโs 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.
โSuch an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues.
โThere 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.โ
Read the full article here
