The traditional ruler of Aafin Ile Ire in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Ibiyinka Olaonipekun, has regained his freedom months after he was abducted by gunmen.
The monarch was seized alongside his son late last year in an incident that heightened anxiety among residents and renewed concerns over the safety of traditional institutions in rural communities.
Sources familiar with the development said the monarch’s son had earlier regained freedom after a ransom of about N20 million was reportedly paid. The royal father was eventually released on Thursday morning following the payment of an additional N12 million to his abductors.
Community leaders were said to have rallied support to secure the monarch’s release, with funds reportedly raised through collective efforts by residents and private donors.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
The development has brought relief to residents of the community, even as concerns persist over the rising wave of kidnappings across parts of the country and the growing vulnerability of local communities to criminal attacks.
