February 09, (THEWILL) – The National Association of Seadogs, otherwise known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has expressed deep dissatisfaction over an assault meted on a 73-year-old man, Chief Areola Abraham, by the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Ogun State, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi.
THEWILL recalls that in a video which circulated on social media, Oba Ogunjobi was seen with his cohorts verbally and physically assaulting the septuagenarian, who was on his knees begging them.
The video, however, attracted the state government’s attention, which, through its Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, slammed the monarch’s six months suspension and was later arraigned at the court but failed to meet bail conditions.
Reacting, the Capoon Ash Montana Deck, Abeokuta, Mr Peter Adekunle, said that the association frowned at the monarch’s assault on the old man in an open place, where he and his accomplices were seen slapping and raining curses on him.
Adekunle, who condemned the traditional ruler’s action describing it as utterly unacceptable due to his administrative position in the society, said that such a monarch lacks the Yoruba ‘Omoluwabi Syndrome’ which bears respect for elders.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his swift response in ensuring that the traditional ruler was given six months’ suspension for his misconduct, noting that such a decision from the government demonstrated Abiodun’s commitment to upholding justice and protecting the rights of the citizens.
The Capoon urged the state government to do a background check on personalities seeking to occupy the position of kings or village heads in the state, expressing regret on how some traditional rulers aided the operations of kidnappers and Fulani herdsmen attacks on their subjects in their community.
He said, “The National Association of Seadogs, a.k.a. Pyrates Confraternity, is outraged and deeply disturbed by the horrific assault on 73-year-old Pa Abraham Areola by the Olorile of Orile Ifo Oba Semiu Ogunjobi in the open place of his community.
“The monarch’s brutal actions, which included slapping and raining curses on the elderly man while forcing him to prostrate himself on the road, are utterly unacceptable and deserving of swift condemnation.
“This type of thuggery and abuse of human rights is never expected from any common citizen brought up in the Omoluabi ethos of the Yoruba, not to talk of a Royal Father who is expected to be the custodian of the culture.
“We commend Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his prompt intervention, suspending the monarch and enabling the police to take swift action. The governor’s decisive response demonstrates his commitment to upholding justice and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of age or social status.
“The police’s swift arraignment of the monarch before the court is also a welcome development, as it sends a strong message that such egregious behaviour will not be tolerated. We demand that the perpetrator be held accountable for his actions and that justice be served in its entirety.”
“This exposure provides an opportunity for the government to take a critical look at the background of personalities that are occupying the position of Obas and Baales in Ogun State today with a view to sanitising the traditional institution and restoring its integrity.
“Presently, there are many types of the suspended Olorile Ifo who grab the lands of their subjects, encourage kidnapping, and Fulani attacks while oppressing and suppressing their people.”
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and education on issues of elder abuse, respect for human rights, and the importance of accountability among those in positions of power.
“We stand in solidarity with Pa Abraham Areola and his family, offering our support and advocacy during this challenging time. We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for justice, ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable for his heinous actions.”
