A 73-year-old indigene of Ile-Oluji in Ondo State, Arinola Abraham Love, JP, who was publicly assaulted by the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, has come forward to share his side of the story.
Abraham, who described himself as an ordinary resident of Orile-Ifo and not a chief, claimed he was physically assaulted by the monarch on January 21, 2025, at around 11 a.m., leaving him in fear for his life.
In a telephone conversation with a blogger, Abraham recounted the harrowing experience, which he said had left him traumatized. He alleged that the monarch attacked him without provocation while he was searching for food.
He narrated, “My name is Arinola Abraham Love, JP. I didn’t do anything to him. He is our monarch in Orile-Ifo. That day, I was hungry and went out to find something to eat. A vehicle stopped beside me, and the occupant started shouting, saying he was calling me. I ran to him and greeted him with ‘Kabiyesi o,’ explaining that I hadn’t heard him calling me.”
However, he alleged that upon reaching the monarch, he was unexpectedly struck on the head. “As soon as I got to him, he punched me on the head, and my cap fell off. I begged him and asked what I had done. He knew I was unwell, yet he still ordered one of his chiefs, Lukosi, to record the incident while they continued beating me.”
Abraham further claimed that the monarch boasted about his influence over the Nigerian police and other powerful figures, allegedly stating that even if he died, his burial would be unceremonious, and no consequences would follow.
The victim disclosed that he had bought land and built a house in Orile-Ifo but had frequently suffered abuse at the hands of the king. “I didn’t expect him to beat me that day because he knew I was not healthy,” he lamented.
Fearing for his life, Abraham made a desperate appeal for help. “I am scared. Please help me—I don’t want to die. Since the attack, I have been very traumatized. I want people to beg the king not to kill me, as he has done to others.”
The allegations have sparked concerns among residents, with many calling for an investigation into the claims. Efforts to reach the palace for a response were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
The case raises pressing questions about the abuse of power by traditional rulers and the need for justice and accountability within the Nigerian legal system.
In response to the assault, Governor Dapo Abiodun has suspended the king for six months.
Additionally, the police have arrested him and charged him in court, where he was granted bail. The case has been adjourned to March 6, 2025.
