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 nearly a month in captivity, family sources have confirmed.
The traditional ruler, also known as Oniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was kidnapped on New Year’s Eve when armed men reportedly invaded his palace in a violent late-night operation.
According to community sources, about eight gunmen stormed the palace at around 8 p.m., firing shots into the air before demanding to see the monarch and his wife. The assailants eventually abducted the monarch alongside one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
After about two weeks in captivity, Olaolu was released following what sources described as prolonged negotiations and the payment of a ₦20 million ransom.
The monarch, however, remained in captivity until Wednesday night, when he was finally freed.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, disclosed that the ruler’s release came after further negotiations, which allegedly involved an additional ₦12 million ransom.
“It is true that Kabiyesi was released on Wednesday night after the family paid ₦12 million and handed over two power banks, in addition to the earlier ₦20 million paid for his son’s release,” the source said.
The source added that the abductors reportedly dropped the monarch at a herders’ settlement near Oreke, also in Ifelodun Local Government Area, from where he was taken to a nearby military base before the family was contacted.
Following his release, Oba Olanipekun was said to have been taken to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention after enduring physical and psychological stress during his captivity.
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“He is in good spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are thankful to God and everyone who contributed to his safe return,” the source added.
The abduction had earlier sparked fear and outrage among residents of Afin and neighbouring communities, who called on security agencies and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts against the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry, particularly in the southern part of the state.
Confirming the monarch’s release, the Kwara State Police Command said Oba Olanipekun had been reunited with his family but denied any knowledge of ransom payment.
The police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the release was achieved through sustained joint security operations in the area.
“You are aware that there have been ongoing joint security operations along that axis, forcing bandits to flee. We are not aware of any ransom payment,” she said.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has consistently advised families against paying ransom, urging them instead to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence.
