The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The monarch was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community. He was rescued five days later during a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.
His death was announced on Saturday by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, who expressed sadness over the development and prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul.
The monarch’s son, Prince Olasunkanmi, also confirmed the death, saying his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
Oba Iwedunmoye was among three kidnapped victims rescued by security operatives during the operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.
The Kwara State Police Command said the operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante, who reported that one of his men had sustained a gunshot injury while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
The Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station subsequently led a combined team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.
According to the police, the suspected kidnappers opened fire after sighting the advancing security team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire during which one suspected kidnapper was killed.
Other members of the gang reportedly fled into the surrounding terrain as the security team pursued them and eventually located the three kidnapped victims.
The victims were subsequently evacuated for medical attention.
The death of the traditional ruler has since sparked sadness among members of the Igbesi and Igbomina communities.
