The abductors of the Oniwo of Afin community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, have freed the traditional ruler after more than a month in captivity.
It was gathered that the monarch regained his freedom on Tuesday and has returned to his palace in the Afin community.
Recall that Oba Olanipekun and his son were abducted by gunmen on December 31, 2025, while the kidnappers released Prince Olaolu Olanipekun on January 19, 2026.
It was gathered that the monarch’s release came after his family reportedly paid an additional ₦12 million ransom to his captors, having earlier paid ₦20 million for the release of his son Olaolu, bringing the total ransom to ₦32 million.
His release came two weeks after his son, who was kidnapped alongside him, was freed following the payment of the first tranche of the ransom.
“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid ₦12 million and two phone power banks, in addition to the initial ₦20 million ransom.
“They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us,” a source said.
The source added that the monarch is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering physical and psychological trauma during his ordeal.
“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who played a role in ensuring his release,” the source stated.
Recall that the monarch, popularly known as Aniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted during a violent attack on his palace.
It was gathered that about eight armed men stormed the palace around 8 p.m., firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife before whisking him away alongside his son.
Abducted Kwara monarch regains freedom
