The Ogun State Government has suspended the traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale, for six months following allegations of assault against an elderly man.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the monarch ordering the elderly victim to kneel before him. The reason for this act remains unclear.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs confirmed the suspension, explaining that both the traditional ruler and the victim had been invited for questioning by the Commissioner, Ganiyu Hamzat. The decision, according to the ministry, was made in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council and in line with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.
The government emphasized that the move was necessary to curb public misconduct and inappropriate utterances by the monarch, which had drawn widespread criticism.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed in a statement that both parties had reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Eleweran, where their statements were recorded.
“The Ogun State Police Command has taken cognizance of a disturbing video circulating on social media, in which an elderly man, Mr. Areola Abraham, was seen prostrating while being subjected to verbal abuse and assault by Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo,” Odutola stated.
She reaffirmed the police command’s stance against all forms of assault and harassment, pledging that the matter would be handled in accordance with the law. The public will be kept informed as the investigation progresses.
