Nigeria’s Ogun State Government has vowed to investigate a viral video showing the Oloorile of Orile Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, allegedly subjecting an elderly man, identified as Chief Arinola Abraham to dehumanising treatment.
In the two-minute video, Arinola was seen kneeling on the road while a man, believed to be Ogunjobi, rained curses on him and his family and accused him of conspiracy.
Ogunjobi, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies, threatening to send the chief to jail.
“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….,” Ogunjobi said in Yoruba language.
At one point, a man accompanying the traditional ruler slapped Arinola and ordered him to prostrate before the king.
Police could not be reached for comments.
Reacting to the video, Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, described the act as “inappropriate and inhumane.”
The governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, also condemned the incident in a Facebook post, stating that such matters should be handled in a more civilised manner.
Ojo wrote: “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.
“This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.
“The king allegedly took offence at Chief Arinola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler.
“Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues.
“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.”
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