On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Ogun State Police Command arraigned the suspended Olorile of Orile Ifo, Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi, on charges of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. This legal action follows a widely circulated video depicting the monarch physically assaulting 73-year-old Elder Abraham Areola.
The incident, which has garnered significant attention on social media platforms, led to Ogunjobi’s suspension by the Ogun State Government in collaboration with the Egba Traditional Council. The suspension, effective for six months, was imposed due to the monarch’s involvement in the public assault.
During the court proceedings, Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was subsequently granted bail under liberal terms, set at ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum. The case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025, for further hearing.
The viral video shows Ogunjobi, a former police officer, accusing Elder Areola of betrayal and subjecting him to severe physical assault. At one point, the monarch threatened to bury the elderly man without a trace if he died during the torture. Initially, Ogunjobi denied his involvement in the incident; however, reports indicate that he later confessed at the Ogun State Police Command headquarters in Eleweran. He allegedly attempted to appease the victim by offering a plot of land.
Concerns have been raised about Ogunjobi’s use of his influence as a former police officer and his connections, including his wife, Officer Veronica, who serves at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Alagbon, to intimidate residents of Orile Ifo.
The arraignment has sparked widespread discussions on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Users have expressed outrage over the monarch’s actions, calling for justice and emphasizing the need for accountability among traditional leaders.
This case underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals in positions of authority are held accountable for their actions. The public continues to monitor the proceedings closely, anticipating a fair and just resolution.
