Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has filed a #200 million lawsuit against Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Ogun State, over the alleged assault of Elder Areola Abraham Love.
The suit, dated March 7, 2025, was filed before the Ogun State High Court, Ota, seeking to enforce the 73-year-old victim’s rights to dignity, freedom of movement, and life.
The case follows a viral video in February showing Elder Love kneeling beside a road while being assaulted by Oba Ogunjobi and others. The footage sparked outrage, leading to the monarch’s six-month suspension by the state government and his arraignment for assault.
According to reports, the assault occurred on January 21 2025, at Orile Ifo, Ifo, Ogun State. Elder Love was allegedly kneeling beside the road when the monarch and his agents attacked him. The video shows the monarch and his agents beating the victim mercilessly, with some onlookers trying to intervene.
Falana is demanding:
– *N200 million compensation*: For the violation of Elder Love’s fundamental rights to life, dignity, and freedom of movement.
– *Public apology*: In The Punch, Vanguard, and Nigerian Tribune newspapers.
– *Declaration of rights violation*: By the court, stating that the physical attack on Elder Love constituted a threat to his life and violated his fundamental rights.
The viral video of the assault sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the monarch’s prosecution and removal from office. The Ogun State Government subsequently suspended the monarch for six months and ordered his arraignment for assault.
Social media platforms have been filled with reactions to the video, with many Nigerians expressing outrage and disgust at the monarch’s actions. Some have called for the monarch’s removal from office, while others have demanded justice for the victim