By Joy Yesufu
The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after spending about one month in captivity.
The traditional ruler was released on Wednesday night, two weeks after his son, Olaolu, who was kidnapped alongside him, was freed.
A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the monarch’s release, attributing it to prolonged negotiations with the abductors.
According to the source, an additional N12 million was paid to secure the monarch’s freedom, bringing the total ransom allegedly paid to N32 million.
“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before,” the source said.
“He was dropped at a herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where contact was made with the family.”
The source added that Oba Olanipekun is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital, having suffered physical and psychological trauma during his captivity.
“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who played a role in ensuring his safe return,” the source added.
However, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release of the monarch but denied any knowledge of ransom payment.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the monarch was reunited with his family following intensified joint security operations in the area.
“You are aware that there are ongoing joint security operations on that axis, and the bandits are fleeing. We are not aware of any ransom payment,” she said.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, has consistently discouraged ransom payments and advised victims’ families to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.
The monarch, also known as Oniwo I of the Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted on New Year’s Eve during an attack on his palace.
It was gathered that about eight armed men stormed the palace around 8pm, firing sporadically before abducting the monarch and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps.
Olaolu was released two weeks later after negotiations reportedly led to the payment of N20 million.
The abduction sparked outrage and fear among residents of the Afin community, who called on security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in rural parts of Kwara State.
The incident is among several high-profile abductions recorded in the state in recent months, raising concerns about worsening insecurity, particularly in the southern axis of Kwara.
