Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, has been sent to Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to meet his bail conditions.
The Ogun State Police Command arraigned him on Tuesday after a viral video showed him assaulting a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola.
According to the charge sheet (MH2b8c/2025), the monarch was accused of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The charges stated that on January 21, 2025, at Sojuolu Street, Ifo, Ogunjobi and others conspired to commit assault and disturb public peace, violating Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.
Another part of the charge read, “That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place, did unlawfully assault one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.”
Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Magistrate F. A. Iroko.
The court granted him bail at N5 million, requiring two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. However, he failed to meet the conditions, leading to his remand in prison.
The case was adjourned to March 6 for a hearing.
The viral video sparked public outrage. It showed the monarch forcing Areola to kneel on the road, shouting accusations and threats. An aide was seen slapping the elderly man and ordering him to prostrate before the monarch.
Ogunjobi, a retired police officer, was also heard boasting about his law enforcement connections and threatening to jail Areola.
In reaction, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Ogun State praised the government for suspending the monarch.
The group’s chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, said, “This is a disgraceful act. We commend the government for taking swift action. Justice must be served.”
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) also welcomed the police action.
State PCRC Chairman, Samson Kunle Popoola, called for the arrest of the aide who slapped the victim.
“The law should take its full course. No one is above the law,” Popoola stated.
