Rita Odafe
The government of Ogun State is investigating a widely shared video involving Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Olooriile of Orile Ifo, who is seen allegedly demeaning one of his chiefs, Arinola Abraham Love.
The clip, which is around two minutes long, shows Arinola being verbally attacked and accused of conspiracy while kneeling on a roadside.
In this video, the monarch, a former police officer, boasts about his authority over law enforcement and threatens to jail the chief. An individual in the video even slapped Arinola and ordered him to bow before the king.
Oba Ogunjobi made alarming statements in Yoruba, saying: “You are a conspirator; may ill fate come to you and your family. If anyone dares to confront me, even if you die, your burial will be insignificant.”
The situation reportedly arose from a dispute over royal authority, with Oba Ogunjobi upset by Arinola’s supposed backing of a rival king.
In response, Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, denounced Arinola’s treatment as horrific and unacceptable. Governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, also criticized the monarch’s behavior, noting that the matter could have been resolved with more respect and civility.
“The conduct is completely condemnable and inexcusable, no matter the underlying issues,” Ojo stated.
The Ogun State government has promised to handle the situation seriously and ensure that justice is served.
