The Ogun State government has pledged to investigate a viral video showing the alleged public humiliation of Chief Arinola Abraham Love by the Oloorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, in Ifo Local Government Area.
In the two-minute footage, Chief Arinola is seen kneeling on a road while a man—allegedly Oba Ogunjobi—hurls curses at him, accusing him of conspiracy and wishing misfortune upon his family. The traditional ruler, reportedly a retired police officer, further boasts of his influence over the Nigeria Police, claiming he could jail the chief without consequence. He is also heard saying, “Even if you die, we shall bury you and nothing will happen.”
During the confrontation, one of the men accompanying the monarch struck Chief Arinola, ordering him to prostrate before the king.
Government Condemnation and Call for Investigation
Reacting to the disturbing footage, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, condemned the treatment of Chief Arinola, describing it as “horrible and inappropriate.” He assured the public that the matter would be investigated thoroughly and, if proven true, appropriate actions would be taken.
Similarly, the governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, decried the incident in a statement on his verified Facebook page. He described the act as unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying dispute.
“This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute,” Ojo stated. “The king allegedly took offense at Chief Arinola Abraham Love’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. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”
The Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of status, are treated with dignity.
