The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, has been released by his abductors after spending weeks in captivity following his abduction in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A source familiar with the development confirmed on Thursday that the traditional ruler regained his freedom after a ransom was paid to the kidnappers. The exact amount paid was not disclosed.
Oba Olanipekun was abducted alongside his son, Olaolu Olanipekun, during an attack on the royal palace late last year. While Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was earlier released after a reported N20 million ransom payment, the monarch and other victims remained in captivity until now.
Olaolu was freed on Monday and reportedly dropped at a herders’ settlement around Oreke in the same local government area before being taken to a nearby military base. Security personnel later contacted his family, who took him home. He was subsequently admitted to a hospital for medical care due to exhaustion and psychological distress from his ordeal.
Following his son’s release, the kidnappers were said to have intensified pressure on the royal family and the community, allegedly demanding an additional N15 million for the release of Oba Olanipekun and other abducted persons.
The abduction occurred around 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, when gunmen suspected to be terrorists stormed the monarch’s palace in Aafin Ile-Ire. The attack reportedly threw the community into panic amid rising insecurity in parts of Kwara South.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived shooting sporadically, forced their way into the palace, and demanded to see the monarch and his wife. During the incident, the Olori, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but managed to escape abduction. She was later rushed to hospital for treatment.
A palace source recounted that efforts were made to lock doors and switch off lights after suspicious movements were noticed outside, but the attackers responded by opening fire and breaking into the palace. Oba Olanipekun was eventually taken, while his son was discovered in hiding and abducted as well.
At the time of the attack, at least 10 family members and visitors were said to be in the palace for the holiday season. The local vigilante group, with only two operatives on night duty, was reportedly unable to challenge the heavily armed gunmen.
The release of the monarch has brought relief to the community, though residents continue to express concern over persistent insecurity in the area and renewed calls for stronger protection of rural communities across the state.