A disturbing and shocking incident of public humiliation and alleged assault has come to light, as a 73-year-old man, Chief Abraham Areola, accuses the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, of brutally beating him in broad daylight. The elderly man, who was reportedly assaulted over a chieftaincy dispute, is now calling for justice and the protection of Nigerians and relevant authorities.
In a heart-wrenching interview with PUNCH Metro on Sunday, the victim recounted the chilling encounter with the monarch, claiming that the king had not only physically assaulted him but also threatened his life. Chief Areola revealed that after the video of the attack went viral, Oba Ogunjobi allegedly vowed to kill him, saying, “Die if you want to die. We will bury you, and nobody will know.”
The video, which surfaced online, depicts the elderly man kneeling on the ground, seemingly disoriented, while one of the monarch’s aides yanks off his cap. Another aide strikes him from behind despite the victim’s pleas for mercy. The incident, which occurred on January 21, 2025, at around 11 AM, was sparked by a long-standing kingship dispute. According to sources from the community and statements from Emmanuel Ojo, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the monarch’s identity was confirmed, condemning the assault as a display of arrogance and abuse of power.
In the distressing video, Chief Areola repeatedly asks, “What did I do wrong?” but receives no clear answer. Instead, Oba Ogunjobi insults and curses the elderly man, stating, “The entire Ifo land belongs to me. I will send you to prison. I own the entire Nigeria Police Force.” Despite his pleas, Chief Areola is forced to lie flat on his chest, a humiliation that has sparked outrage across social media.
Emmanuel Ojo, who condemned the actions of the monarch, expressed his dismay, stating, “Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced. There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders.”
When asked about his next steps, Chief Areola, still in shock, confessed he has not been informed of any offense he may have committed. “I wasn’t feeling well, so I went out to get some food when he saw me. He called me over, and that’s when the beating started. I didn’t offend him in any way. If you watch the video, you’ll hear me begging him to tell me what my offence was,” he said.
Although the monarch has denied the allegations, claiming that he has received multiple petitions regarding the incident and insisting that he is not the person in the video, the situation has escalated. Oba Ogunjobi told our correspondent in a phone interview, “I’ve been receiving numerous calls for the past three weeks regarding it. They’ve submitted petitions to various authorities, including Alagbon, the Zone 2 Command, and the state governor. A newspaper has published a statement confirming that I am not the person in the video.”
Despite the monarch’s denials, Chief Areola remains adamant that justice must be served. The victim, still uncertain of the exact reason behind the assault, is now appealing to the public for help. “I want Nigerians to come to my aid. He has vowed to kill me.”
The case continues to spark public outrage, with many questioning the abuse of power by traditional rulers and the need for accountability. As Chief Areola fights for justice, the incident has opened a larger conversation about the treatment of elderly citizens and the misuse of authority in the face of disputes.
PIONEER NEWS 