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.
The spokesperson for the correctional facility, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed on Wednesday that the monarch remained in custody, stating, “Yes, he is in our custody, which means he has been unable to meet the bail conditions granted by the court yesterday. However, as soon as he does, he will be released.”
Ogunjobi was arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday following a viral video that showed him assaulting a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola. The charge sheet (MH2b8c/2025) accused him of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
According to court documents, the alleged incident occurred on January 21, 2025, around 11:00 a.m. at Sojuolu Street in Ifo. Ogunjobi and others, who are still at large, were accused of attacking Areola by slapping him on the face and ear. The document further stated that the monarch and his associates forced the elderly man to kneel in public while he was verbally and physically abused.
During his appearance before Magistrate F. A. Iroko, Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty. The court granted him bail under strict conditions, requiring two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide a bond of N5 million each. Since these conditions have not yet been met, the monarch remains in detention.
The viral video of the assault has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for justice. In the two-minute footage, Ogunjobi was seen berating Areola, accusing him of conspiring against him and his family.
The suspended monarch, who is said to be a retired police officer, also threatened to use his influence to have Areola imprisoned. One of his aides was seen striking the elderly man and ordering him to prostrate before the monarch.
Reacting to the incident, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Ogun State commended the government for suspending the monarch. In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, the group condemned the assault and called for full prosecution.
Similarly, the state Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) praised the swift actions taken by both the government and the police. The PCRC also urged law enforcement to arrest the individual seen in the video slapping the victim.
