By Bidemi Bello
The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been arraigned before the Ifo Magistrate Court.
Adewale, who was arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, faces a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
This is sequel to his suspension by the Ogun State Government over his alleged uncivil conduct.
The arraignment followed a viral video depicting the monarch allegedly assaulting, verbally abusing, and even threatening to kill an elderly man, Mr. Areola Abraham.
He has, however, been admitted to bail while the case has been adjourned to March 6 for further hearing.
Ogunjobi sparked outrage after a viral video surfaced showing him verbally and physically assaulting one of his chiefs Arinola Abraham.
In the two-minute clip, Arinola was seen kneeling on the road while a man, said to be Ogunjobi, cursed him and his family while accusing him of conspiracy.
The monarch, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies, threatening to jail the chief.
Earlier, the Ogun State said it has suspended Ogunjobi for six months over what it called an “uncivil conduct”.
According to the state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hazmat, Ogunjobi’s conduct was not befitting the status of a traditional ruler.
The commissioner said the government’s decision was in a bid to ensure the dignity of persons and the protection of sanctity of the revered traditional institution.
He stated that the decision was reached after the traditional ruler and his victim were invited to the ministry for interrogation.
“After the investigation conducted on the matter, Oba Ogunjobi has been suspended. He has been stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile of Orile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise in the matter,” Hamzat said.
The Commissioner said the decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council.
“This was in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021,” he said.
