- Suspended Ogun Monarch Remanded in Prison Custody Over Bail Condition, as he faces charges of assault and conspiracy.
- He was arraigned on February 4, 2025, in Ifo Magistrate Court.
- A manhunt is underway for his accomplices involved in the incident.
- His case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been taken to the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after he failed to meet his bail conditions.
This was confirmed by Yinka Odukoya, the spokesperson for the correctional facility, who mentioned that the monarch will remain in custody until the bail requirements are satisfied. The court had set his bail at N5 million, requiring two sureties who reside within its jurisdiction, but these conditions have not yet been fulfilled.
Oba Ogunjobi was arraigned on February 4, 2025, at the Ifo Magistrates’ Court on charges of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
These charges arose from a viral video that showed him assaulting a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola. In the video, Areola was seen kneeling on the road while Ogunjobi hurled insults at him and accused him of conspiracy. The monarch also allegedly threatened to imprison Areola while one of his aides physically attacked the elderly man.
BREAKING NEWS: The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to meet his bail conditions. pic.twitter.com/eZyIhHz7SD
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) February 5, 2025
The charges against Ogunjobi include slapping Areola and forcing him to prostrate in public, actions that violate Sections 517, 351, and 249 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State. During his court appearance, the suspended monarch pleaded not guilty to these charges. His case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025, for further proceedings.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society groups and local residents. A coalition of civil society organizations praised the state government for swiftly suspending Ogunjobi and called for his full prosecution. Likewise, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) commended law enforcement for their efforts in seeking justice and urged authorities to apprehend Ogunjobi’s accomplices involved in the assault.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced Ogunjobi’s suspension as a traditional ruler in response to public outrage over his actions. The state government stressed that such behavior is unacceptable for an Oba and committed to ensuring justice in this case.
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