The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted by armed men in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after spending nearly one month in captivity, family sources have confirmed.
According to a source close to the family, the traditional ruler was released late on Wednesday night following prolonged negotiations that reportedly involved the payment of an additional N12 million ransom, weeks after an earlier N20 million was paid to secure the release of his son.
The monarch’s son, Olaolu, who was kidnapped alongside him, had regained freedom about two weeks earlier after the initial ransom payment.
The family source, who spoke anonymously due to security concerns, disclosed that the kidnappers abandoned the monarch at a herders’ settlement near Oreke, from where he was taken to a nearby military base before reuniting with his family.
“It’s true he was released last night after further negotiations. An extra N12 million was paid, along with two power banks, in addition to the earlier amount,” the source said.
The monarch is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital, having suffered both physical and emotional trauma during his ordeal. The family expressed gratitude to security agencies and well-wishers for their support and prayers.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the monarch’s release but denied any knowledge of ransom payment. The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, attributed the development to sustained joint security operations in the area.
“Our intensified operations forced the criminals to flee. We are not aware of any ransom being paid,” she said, adding that the police leadership strongly discourages ransom payments and urges families to cooperate with security agencies.
The Oniwo was abducted on New Year’s Eve after gunmen reportedly stormed his palace around 8pm, firing shots and forcibly taking him and one of his sons. The attack sparked widespread concern and fear within the Afin community and surrounding areas.
Residents have continued to call on the government and security agencies to address the growing insecurity in rural parts of Kwara State, especially in the southern axis, where kidnapping incidents have become increasingly frequent.