Police in Ogun State have interrogated the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for assaulting one of his chiefs, Arinola Abraham.
This is just as the Ogun State Government announced a six-month suspension of the monarch over the incident.
Outrage had greeted a viral video showing Ogunjobi verbally and physically assaulting Arinola.
Arinola was seen in the two-minute clip kneeling on the road while a man, said to be Oba Ogunjobi, cursed him and his family as he accused him of conspiracy.
Oba Ogunjobi said to be a retired police officer, also boasted of his influence over law enforcement agencies, threatening to jail the chief.
A man accompanying the traditional ruler also slapped Arinola and ordered him to prostrate before the king.
The incident led to widespread condemnation.
On Monday, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuiywa Adejobi, in a post via his X handle, disclosed that the monarch had been invitey and questioned over the matter.
Adejobi reiterated that the Police Force cannot be controlled by any individual, stressing that justice will be served.
The FPRO wrote, “The Oba has been invited and interrogated today by the command. The matter is being looked into for justice to prevail. Nobody can claim to be controlling the NPF. Justice must be served by all means. Thanks.”
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has suspended the monarch for six months for his uncivil conduct unbefitting the status of an Oba.
Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in a statement on Monday, said the decision was reached after Oba Ogunjobi and his victim, 73-year-old Areola Abraham, were invited by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, for interrogation.
The statement read, “This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.
“After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.
“The foregoing decision was reached by the ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.”
Ogun State Police Command in a separate statement, said that it has launched an investigation into the alleged assault of the 73-year-old man by Oba Ogunjobi.
State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Monday, said that the essence of the investigation was to uphold the course of justice.
The PPRO said that both parties, that is, the royal father and community leader were invited to the state police command to state their respective sides of the story.
The statement read, “The Ogun State Police Command has taken cognizance of a disturbing video circulating on social media, in which an elderly man, Mr. Areola Abraham was seen prostrating while being subjected to verbal abuse and assault by Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo.
“Given the gravity of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter, and further assures to adhere to the rule of law and fundamental human rights principles in the instant case.
“Both parties reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department Eleweran, and their statements were obtained.
“The Ogun State Police Command unequivocally condemns any form of assault, harassment and violence regardless of the individuals involved.
“The command will ensure that justice is served and members of the public will be abreast of relevant updates in due course.”