The suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, has been remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre following his arraignment before the Ifo Magistrate Court on charges of assault, conspiracy, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The embattled monarch appeared before the court on Tuesday to face a three-count charge filed against him by the Nigeria Police Force, stemming from a viral video that allegedly captured him verbally and physically assaulting an elderly chief in his community, Areola Abraham.
In the widely circulated footage, Oba Ogunjobi was seen berating Chief Abraham, accusing him of conspiracy and issuing threats. The disturbing nature of the video sparked public outrage, prompting law enforcement agencies to take legal action against the suspended ruler.
During the court proceedings, Oba Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, the presiding magistrate set his bail at N5 million, with stringent conditions requiring two sureties, each expected to deposit an additional N5million.
Unable to meet the bail conditions, the traditional ruler was subsequently remanded at the Ilaro Correctional Centre pending further court hearings.
The case has been adjourned to March 6, allowing both the prosecution and defence time to prepare their arguments.
The remand of the traditional ruler has generated mixed reactions within the Orile Ifo community. While some residents have expressed support for the legal process, others believe the incident should have been resolved through traditional channels.
Meanwhile, legal analysts suggest that the stringent bail conditions reflect the seriousness of the charges against Oba Ogunjobi, emphasizing that the judiciary is keen on ensuring justice is served without interference.
