Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has taken legal action against Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo, seeking N200 million in damages over an alleged human rights violation. The lawsuit, filed at the High Court of Ogun State, Ota, aims to uphold the fundamental rights of Elder Areola Abraham Love JP and demands a public apology in The Punch, Vanguard, and Nigerian Tribune newspapers.
Legal Action Against Oba Ogunjobi
The lawsuit, dated March 7, 2025, accuses Oba Ogunjobi and his associates of assaulting Elder Areola, a 73-year-old man, in a widely circulated video. The footage, which sparked public outrage, shows Elder Areola kneeling beside a road while being physically attacked. Following the viral incident, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) sought Falana’s intervention, leading to this high-profile case.
Government’s Response and Legal Implications
In response to public condemnation, the Ogun State Government suspended Oba Ogunjobi for six months and later arraigned him before a Magistrate Court on charges of assault.
According to the court filings, Falana argues that:
- The beating, kicking, and striking of Elder Areola by Oba Ogunjobi and his agents constitutes a threat to life, violating Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- The public slapping and punching of the elderly man on January 21, 2025, amounted to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, breaching Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter.
Falana’s Legal Demands
The lawsuit seeks the following:
- N200 million in compensation for the violation of Elder Areola’s fundamental rights.
- A public apology from Oba Ogunjobi, to be published in The Punch, Vanguard, and Nigerian Tribune.
Potential Legal Precedent
This case is expected to set a legal benchmark for human rights protection in Nigeria, emphasizing the accountability of traditional rulers.
For more insights into human rights law in Nigeria, refer to Amnesty International’s report on human rights violations.
READ ALSO:
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.