The Ogun State wing of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) has called on the Ogun State Government to remove the Oloorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Olawale Ogunjobi, from his position following allegations of his involvement in the assault of a 73-year-old chief, Arinola Abraham. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, was described by NANS as a disgrace to the dignity of the victim and a violation of Yoruba cultural values.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Chairman, Abiola Francis, NANS condemned the actions depicted in a viral video showing the elderly chief being humiliated and physically assaulted. Francis described the incident as a betrayal of the principles of peace, justice, and moral uprightness that traditional rulers are expected to uphold.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Chief Arinola Abraham being forced to kneel on the road, verbally abused, physically attacked, and cursed by individuals allegedly acting under the supervision of Oba Ogunjobi. The elderly chief, who is over 70 years old, was subjected to this treatment in public, drawing condemnation from various quarters.
Francis stated, “This disgraceful and distasteful act carried out under the supervision of a traditional ruler is not only unlawful but also a shameful betrayal of the human dignity and values that Yoruba traditional leadership should represent. Traditional rulers are meant to be custodians of peace, justice, and moral uprightness, not instruments of oppression and hooliganism. The monarchy should be a refuge for the people, not a force of intimidation and cruelty.”
NANS Calls for Investigation and Prosecution
NANS has called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident and prosecute Oba Ogunjobi and all those involved in the alleged assault. The students’ body also urged the police to probe claims made by the monarch that he has undue influence over law enforcement agencies. Francis emphasized that no one, regardless of their status, should be above the law.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Oba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi and all those involved in this dehumanizing act. No one, regardless of status, should be above the law,” Francis said.
Appeal to Egba Traditional Council and Ogun State Government
In addition to calling for legal action, NANS has urged the Egba Traditional Council to take decisive steps in addressing the matter. The students’ body called for Oba Ogunjobi’s removal from the council, stating that a traditional ruler who disgraces the stool he occupies has no moral justification to continue as a leader.
“We also implore the Ẹ̀gbá Traditional Council to take decisive action by stripping Oba Ogunjobi of his position and membership in the revered Egba Traditional Council. A traditional ruler who openly disgraces the stool he occupies has no moral justification to continue as a leader of the people,” Francis added.
NANS further appealed to the Ogun State Government to sack the monarch as a deterrent to others. The students’ body argued that allowing such behavior to go unpunished would encourage tyranny and undermine the rule of law in the state.
Ogun State Government’s Response
The Ogun State Government has vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, described the alleged act as inappropriate and inhumane. He assured the public that necessary action would be taken if the incident is proven to be true.
“The Ogun State Government has noted the viral video and the allegations against the Oloorile of Orile Ifo. We consider the act depicted in the video as inappropriate and inhumane. The government will investigate the matter thoroughly and take necessary action if the incident is confirmed,” Akinmade stated.
Broader Implications for Traditional Institutions
The incident has raised concerns about the conduct of traditional rulers and their role in modern society. Traditional institutions are often seen as custodians of culture and moral values, and incidents like this undermine public trust in these institutions. Many have called for stricter oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that traditional rulers uphold the values they are expected to represent.
Public Reaction and Condemnation
The alleged assault has drawn widespread condemnation from various groups and individuals. Many have expressed shock and disappointment at the behavior of the monarch, particularly given the advanced age of the victim. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for justice, with hashtags such as #JusticeForArinola and #SackObaOgunjobi trending.
Human rights organizations have also weighed in, calling for a thorough investigation and appropriate sanctions. They emphasized the need to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their age or social status.
Conclusion
The call by NANS for the removal of Oba Olawale Ogunjobi as the Oloorile of Orile Ifo highlights the growing demand for accountability and justice in the wake of the alleged assault on Chief Arinola Abraham. As the Ogun State Government investigates the matter, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including traditional institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society, work together to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. It also underscores the need for traditional rulers to lead by example and uphold the values of peace, justice, and moral uprightness that are central to their roles. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the future of traditional leadership in Ogun State and beyond.
