Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre in Ogun State after failing to meet the conditions of his bail.
The spokesperson for the correctional facility, Yinka Odukoya, confirmed the news to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, stating that the monarch remains in custody because he has yet to fulfill the bail requirements. Odukoya added, “Yes, he is in our custody, which means he hasn’t been able to meet the bail conditions set by the court. Once he does, he will be released.”
The Ogun State Police Command arraigned Ogunjobi on Tuesday in connection with a viral video in which he was seen assaulting 73-year-old Abraham Areola.
In the charge sheet (MH2b8c/2025), Ogunjobi faces accusations of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The charge reads, “That Abdul-Semiu ‘m’ and others at large, on 21st January 2025, at approximately 11:00 am at Sojuolu Street, Ifo Magisterial District, conspired to commit a misdemeanour, specifically assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, thereby violating Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others now at large, on the same date, time, and location in the aforementioned district, unlawfully assaulted one Abraham Areola by slapping him on the face and ear, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.
“That you, Abdul-Semiu ‘m’, and others at large, on the same date, time, and place in the same district, conducted yourselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by forcing Abraham Areola to kneel and publicly assaulting him, thus violating Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”
Ogunjobi, who appeared before Magistrate F.A. Iroko, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted him bail with two sureties in the sum of N5 million each, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned to March 6 for a hearing.
A viral video showing Ogunjobi verbally and physically assaulting Areola triggered public outrage. In the two-minute footage, Areola was forced to kneel on the road while Ogunjobi hurled curses at him, accusing him of conspiring against him and his family.
The suspended monarch, a retired police officer, boasted of his law enforcement connections and threatened to have Areola imprisoned. At one point, one of Ogunjobi’s aides slapped the elderly man and ordered him to prostrate before the monarch.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Ogun State praised the state government for swiftly suspending Ogunjobi.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Solomon Bankole, the group condemned the assault and called for full prosecution of those involved. Similarly, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) of Ogun State commended the government and the police for their swift actions to ensure justice for the victim.
The PCRC also called for the arrest of the individual who slapped Areola and assured the public of its impartial stance on human rights issues in the state.
