Kwara monarch freed after N32m ransom payment

The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, has regained his freedom, returning home on Wednesday evening after spending more than a month in captivity. The monarch was abducted by gunmen at his palace on the eve of the New Year in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

His release reportedly followed the payment of an additional N12 million ransom by his family, bringing the total amount paid to N32 million. Earlier, N20 million had been paid to secure the release of his son, Olaolu, who was kidnapped alongside him.

A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that sustained negotiations led to the monarch’s freedom. “It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks in addition to the initial N20 million ransom,” the source said.

The source added that the monarch was dropped at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. “They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us,” the source explained.

According to the family, the traditional ruler is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after enduring physical and psychological trauma during the ordeal. “He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who played a role in ensuring his release,” the source stated.

The monarch, also known as the Aniwo I of the Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted during a violent attack on his palace. It was gathered that about eight armed men stormed the palace around 8 p.m., firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife before whisking him away with his son.

His release has brought relief to residents of Afin and neighbouring communities who had lived in fear since the incident. The kidnapping is one of several recent cases reported in Kwara State, raising fresh concerns over growing insecurity, especially in rural areas.

Residents and community leaders have continued to urge security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to curb kidnappings and other criminal activities. Calls placed to the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Ejire Adetoun Adeyemi, to confirm the development were not answered as of press time.