Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo in the state’s Ifo Local Government Area, allegedly subjected one Chief Arinola Abraham Love to dehumanizing treatment in a popular video posted on Sunday.
The Ogun State government has promised to investigate.
In the two-minute video, Chief Arinola can be seen kneeling on the road while a guy whose face is not revealed but is alleged to be Oba Ogunjobi curses him and his family, wishing for all kind of ill to befall them for being conspirators.
The traditional ruler, who is said to be a retired police officer, also claimed on the video that he had control of the Nigeria Police and can do whatever he wants, and that he would send the man to jail with no consequences.
He went on to explain that if the man died, he would bury him without consequence. One of the men accompanying the traditional ruler later slapped Chief Arinola, instructing him to prostrate before the royal father.
Oba Ogunjobi, who spoke in Yoruba, stated, “You are a conspirator, it will never be well with you…” Your wife and children…Those who believe they are courageous enough should confront me. Even if you die, we will bury you and nothing will change.”
In response to this video, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, denounced Chief Arinola’s mistreatment, calling it horrific and improper. Akinmade stated, “The action is extremely wrong and inhumane.
This will be investigated, and if found to be true, the appropriate action will be taken. Similarly, in a post on his verified Facebook page, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, blasted the royal father’s behavior in the video, stating the situation might have been handled more civilly.
Ojo said “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault. In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Ọba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo.
“According to reports, this tragedy was the result of a monarchy supremacy conflict.
“The king supposedly was offended by Chief Arinola Abraham Love’s perceived backing for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In reaction, he accosted an elderly man in his neighborhood and treated him in a manner unbecoming of a traditional king.
“Regardless of the underlying reasons, such an act is utterly unacceptable and unjustifiable.”
“There are more civilized and lawful ways to resolve disputes, particularly among traditional leaders. “Using force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly condemned.”