THE SUSPENDED traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Ogun State, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions set by an Ifo Magistrate Court.
The Explainer gathered that the embattled monarch was unable to perfect the N5 million bail bond and provide the two required sureties, prompting the authorities to detain him. The spokesperson for the Ogun State Correctional Centres, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating, “He is in our custody and this definitely means that he was unable to perfect the bail conditions as granted by the court yesterday, but as soon as he is able to do that, he will be allowed to go.”
A charge sheet, referenced as MH2b8c/2025 Commissioner of Police vs Abdul-Semiu, detailed the offences against the traditional ruler. Inspector O. Awoleke, the police prosecutor, brought forward three charges: conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
According to the charge sheet, “That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large on the 21st of January, 2025, at about 1100hrs at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire together to commit a misdemeanor to wit: Assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code of Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”
The second count accused Oba Ogunjobi of unlawfully assaulting one Areola Abraham by slapping him on the face and ear, while the third count stated that he engaged in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace by forcing Areola to kneel in public and overseeing his humiliation.
Despite pleading not guilty, Magistrate F.A. Iroko granted bail at N5 million, with two sureties who must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction. However, the monarch was unable to meet these conditions, leading to his remand.
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The Explainer learnt that the incident has sparked widespread outrage, with civil society organisations and community groups calling for justice. The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ogun State commended the swift action taken by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration in suspending the monarch for six months.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, the CSOs emphasised that the case must not be swept under the carpet. “It beats our imagination to behold the disturbing video of the humiliation carried out on the personality of that 73-year-old Chief Areola by a supposed custodian of Yoruba cultural beliefs and norms,” Bankole stated.
The group further criticised the monarch’s actions, describing them as a “gory sight and a nightmare.” The Explainer gathered that the CSOs have thrown their weight behind the state government’s decision to suspend Oba Ogunjobi, urging authorities to ensure the matter reaches a logical conclusion.
Similarly, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ogun State has lauded the police and the government’s response. The PCRC chairman, Ven (Dr) Samson Kunle Popoola, called for the arrest of the individual who physically slapped the victim, arguing that everyone involved in the assault should be held accountable.
The Explainer noted that under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws alleged assault carries significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment. The charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, as cited under Section 249(d) of the same law, further compounds the legal challenges facing the monarch.
With the case adjourned until March 6, 2025, attention now shifts to whether Oba Ogunjobi will be able to meet his bail conditions and how the judiciary will handle the matter.
The Assault Case That Led to His Arrest
Oba Ogunjobi was arraigned by the Ogun State Police Command after a viral video showed him allegedly assaulting a 73-year-old man, Abraham Areola. The Explainer gathered in the disturbing footage, the elderly man was seen kneeling before the monarch while being subjected to humiliation, including a physical assault.
