A 73-year-old man, Chief Abraham Areola, has accused the Olorile of Orile Ifo in Ogun State, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, of brutally attacking him in public over a chieftaincy dispute.
In an interview, Areola shared that the monarch threatened to kill him after a video surfaced showing the elderly man being assaulted on the street. The footage, which shows one of the monarch’s aides striking Areola and snatching his cap while he kneels, has sparked outrage.
Despite the video evidence, the monarch has denied any involvement in the incident, though community sources and the victim’s testimony confirm his identity.
In the video, Areola can be heard pleading with the monarch, insisting he did nothing wrong. He is heard asking why he was being punished, stating that he wasn’t interested in any chieftaincy title.
Meanwhile, the monarch allegedly boasted about his power, claiming ownership of the police and threatening to imprison Areola.
The monarch’s aide continued to slap the elderly man while he lay flat on the ground, all while the monarch allegedly cursed and humiliated him. Areola, speaking out about the ordeal, expressed his confusion about the attack, stating he had not been informed of any offense. He also revealed that the monarch had vowed to kill him, further escalating the fear and distress the elderly man is experiencing.
Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the state governor, Emmanuel Ojo, condemned the act, calling for more dignified and lawful means of addressing disputes. The video of the incident, which was posted online, has prompted widespread outrage, with many calling for justice.
Areola has since appealed to Nigerians and authorities for protection, stating that the monarch’s influence has made it difficult for him to seek justice. In his own defense, Oba Ogunjobi insisted he was not the person in the video, despite the mounting evidence. The controversy surrounding the incident highlights the dangerous abuse of power and the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals in some communities.
This case raises serious questions about accountability and the misuse of authority, and it is crucial that proper investigations are carried out to ensure justice for Chief Areola.
