The Ogun State Government on Monday suspended the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for six months for assaulting a 73 year old man, Chief Abraham Areola.
This was contained in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ganiyu Hazmat, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta.
Hamzat said the suspension became necessary following the uncivil conduct of the monarch on his subject in the public glare, not befitting the status of an Oba.
The Commissioner explained that the decision to suspend the monarch was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.
Recall that the suspended monarch in a two-minute clip, that went viral on the social media, cursed the septuagenarian and his family, over alleged conspiracy against his person.
He threatened to deal with Chief Areola because he has influence with law enforcement agencies, especially the Police.
The action of the monarch generated a lot of negative reactions on the social media space, with many condemning the bullying on the person of the victim.
The statement reads, “In a bid to ensuring dignity of persons and for the protection of sanctity of our revered traditional institution, the Ogun State Government led by Prince Dapo Abiodun, has placed Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo on six months suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.
“The decision was reached after the Kabiyesi and his victim were invited by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs for interrogation.
“This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.
“After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.
“The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.”
