Ogun Police Charges Monarch in Viral Video with Assault, Granted Bail
Kabiyesi Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, the monarch of Ifo in Ogun State, has been charged to court for assaulting an elderly man in a viral video. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to his arraignment on a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
According to the police, Ogunjobi was granted bail, and the case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025. The police have assured that they will continue to uphold the rule of law and the core values of their profession.
“The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and the core values of the noble profession,” said Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, on February 4, 2025.
This development comes as a relief to many who had called for the monarch’s prosecution following the viral video. The case has sparked a national conversation about accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State government has suspended the traditional ruler. Recall that he was captured in a viral video ordering the victim, an elderly man to kneel down. It is however not clear what the man’s offence could be.
Disclosing this in a statement on Monday, the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy, said the decision was reached after the traditional ruler and the victim were invited by the state Commissioner of Local Govt and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hazmat, for interrogation.
The Commissioner said the state government in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council acted in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.
He said this is to tackle the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the traditional ruler as it was evident in social media and being bandied in the larger public space.