The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has reportedly died while in the custody of his abductors despite efforts by the community and family members to secure his freedom.
The monarch was abducted last month, and his captors allegedly demanded N21 million, two brand-new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release. Community leaders said the demands were met, but the kidnappers reportedly continued to hold the monarch until news of his death emerged.
According to a former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly representing Ifelodun, who spoke anonymously, information about the monarch’s death was first relayed by another victim who had recently regained freedom from the same group of kidnappers operating around Sagbe after the payment of ransom.
The tragic development was later communicated to residents through a voice message circulated on the community platform by a member of the committee handling the matter. The message indicated that Janazah prayers would still be observed in accordance with Islamic rites.
Initial reports of the monarch’s death were met with skepticism by authorities. The Kwara State Commissioner of Police dismissed the information as unverified, describing it as a rumour, while the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Femi Yusuf, said he had not received any official briefing on the matter.
However, the Secretary of the Ifelodun Traditional Council, Elder Chief Omisola Amos Olayinka, subsequently confirmed the monarch’s death after consultations with members of the community.
“Initially, we thought it was a rumour. But now the community confirmed it. Those we put in charge of farm duties informed us that the monarch has passed away,” he said.
He added that despite paying a substantial ransom and providing additional items demanded by the abductors, the community was unable to save the monarch.
“We paid a huge sum of money including motorcycles and fuel as demanded by them, yet the man still died in their custody. We are in a mourning mood now,” he lamented.
The traditional council secretary also disclosed that the monarch’s remains had not been recovered, saying the community had no knowledge of where he had been taken following his abduction.
Describing the incident as devastating, Olayinka noted that Oba Aweda had only recently been elevated to first-class status and preparations for the formal ceremony had yet to be completed before his death.
The incident has heightened concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities where cases of kidnapping and banditry have continued despite increased security operations.
