The Ogun State Government has vowed to investigate a disturbing viral video showing Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area, allegedly subjecting Chief Arinola Abraham to inhumane treatment.
The two-minute clip, which surfaced online, captures Chief Abraham kneeling on the road while Ogunjobi accuses him of conspiracy, curses his family, and verbally abuses him.
In the video, Ogunjobi, a former police officer, is heard boasting of his influence over law enforcement, even threatening to imprison the chief. At one point, an accomplice of the monarch physically slapped Arinola and demanded that he prostrate before the king. Ogunjobi’s harsh words in Yoruba included: “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 incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, condemned the act as “inappropriate and inhumane.”
He assured that a full investigation would be carried out, stating, “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, took to Facebook to express his disapproval, describing the video as deeply disturbing.
He wrote, “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault. This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.
The king allegedly took offense at Chief Arinola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu. Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable.”
Ojo emphasized the need for more civilized methods of resolving conflicts, particularly among traditional rulers, noting that, “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.”
