Tragedy has struck the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following the reported death of its traditional ruler, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, while in the custody of kidnappers.
The monarch was said to have been abducted by armed men who later demanded ₦21 million, two motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release.
His death was announced in an emotional voice message circulated by a member of the committee set up to secure his freedom. According to the speaker, extensive efforts by family members, community leaders, residents, and religious figures to rescue the monarch ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Quoting from the Holy Qur’an, the committee member urged residents to accept the development as the will of God.
“Our beloved father has answered the call of his Creator,” he said.
The committee also disclosed that arrangements were being made for Islamic funeral prayers, noting that the monarch’s body had yet to be recovered but that burial rites could still proceed in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Reports indicate that negotiations had been ongoing between the community and the abductors, who reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦21 million alongside other items. A Kwara resident who was recently released from captivity also reportedly confirmed that the monarch died despite efforts to secure his freedom.
Residents had remained hopeful that Oba Aweda would regain his freedom following the negotiations, but those hopes were dashed when news of his death emerged.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity and kidnapping crisis affecting communities across the country.