Ogun to investigate monarch over viral video of alleged dehumanization of chief

The Ogun State Government has vowed to launch a full-scale investigation into a viral video allegedly showing the Oloorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, subjecting Chief Arinola Abraham to humiliating and degrading treatment.

The two-minute clip, which has sparked widespread condemnation, captures Chief Arinola kneeling on a public road while a man, alleged to be Oba Ogunjobi, hurls curses at him and his family, accusing him of conspiracy.

The traditional ruler, reportedly a retired police officer, also boasts of his influence over law enforcement, threatening to have Chief Arinola jailed.

At one point in the video, a man accompanying the monarch slaps Arinola and orders him to prostrate before the king.

Speaking in Yoruba, the monarch is heard saying: “You are a conspirator, it will never be well with you… your wife and children… whoever thinks he is courageous enough should come out to face me… even if you die, we shall bury you, and nothing will happen.”

Reacting to the disturbing footage, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the act as “inappropriate and inhumane.”

Akinmade assured the public that the state government would thoroughly investigate the matter, saying:

“This will be investigated, and if proven to be true, necessary action will be taken.”

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Similarly, the governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, took to Facebook to express his outrage, emphasizing that such disputes should be handled in a more civilized and lawful manner.

Ojo wrote: “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault.

In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Oba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo.”

He further revealed that the altercation allegedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute, stating that the monarch was angered by Chief Arinola’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu.

“In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler. Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues,” Ojo added.

The viral incident has sparked a public outcry, with many calling for disciplinary action against the monarch. Critics argue that traditional rulers should uphold peace and dignity, rather than resorting to public humiliation and violence.

Observers also stress that no one is above the law, and any abuse of power by influential figures must be swiftly addressed.

As the Ogun State Government launches its investigation, all eyes remain on the authorities to ensure justice is served and that such incidents do not undermine the integrity of traditional institutions in Nigeria.