The decision followed an interrogation by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who summoned both the Oba and his victim.
The Ogun State government has suspended the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for six months following a viral video showing him physically assaulting a 73-year-old titled chief, Areola Abraham Love JP.
The embattled monarch also risks arrest as human rights groups demand his prosecution.
The suspension was announced on Monday in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy.
The decision followed an interrogation by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, who summoned both the Oba and his victim.
According to Akinmade, “This became imperative due to the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi, which have gone viral on social media and caused public outrage.
“Following investigations, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the Olorile-Ifo stool, pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise.
“This decision was taken in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council, in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs’ Law (2021).”
SaharaReporters reported on Monday that the Nigerian police said it had invited and interrogated the embattled monarch over the assault video.
However, beyond his suspension by the government, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has petitioned Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding Oba Ogunjobi’s immediate arrest and prosecution for the January 21 assault.
In a statement released on Monday, CDHR National Vice President, Yinka Folarin, accused the monarch of using his past as a police officer to intimidate and harass members of the public.
“The atrocities of Oba Ogunjobi, as captured in the viral video, include the brutal assault on 73-year-old Elder Areola Abraham Love JP, a resident of Ifo.
“The victim, an elderly man battling health issues, narrated that he was on his way to get food when the monarch called him over. Out of respect, he crossed the road, only to be slapped multiple times, kicked, and forced to kneel and prostrate by the Oba and his suspected thugs.”
The CDHR insists that Oba Ogunjobi must be arrested and prosecuted, stressing that no one is above the law, regardless of their status.
