There was relief and quiet celebration in Afin community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Wednesday night after the abducted traditional ruler, the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, regained his freedom after spending about one month in the hands of kidnappers.
The monarch was kidnapped on New Year’s Eve during a violent attack on his palace, an incident that shocked residents of the community and drew attention to the growing problem of insecurity in rural parts of the state. His release came two weeks after his son, Olaolu, who was abducted alongside him, was freed.
According to family sources, the monarch was released after an additional ransom of N12 million was paid to the kidnappers, bringing the total amount paid by the family to N32 million. The family had earlier paid N20 million to secure the release of Olaolu.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the monarch was freed late on Wednesday night. The source said the kidnappers dropped him at a remote location before security agents were contacted.
“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks, in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before,” the source said.
“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.”
The family source revealed that Oba Olanipekun is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital due to the physical and emotional stress he suffered during his captivity.
“He went through a lot. The experience affected him physically and psychologically, so doctors are attending to him now,” the source said.
Despite his ordeal, the source said the monarch was in good spirits and thankful to God for his safe return.
“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who ensured his safe release, including security agencies, community leaders, and well-wishers who supported us with prayers and encouragement,” the source added.
As of the time of filing this report, no official photographs of the monarch after his release had been made public, but residents confirmed that plans were underway to formally welcome him back to the community once doctors give approval.
While confirming the release of the monarch, the Kwara State Police Command said it was not aware of any ransom payment made to secure his freedom.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the release was achieved through sustained joint security operations involving the police, the military, and other security agencies.
“You are aware that there have been ongoing joint security operations on that axis, and the bandits are fleeing,” she said.
“We are not aware of any ransom payment. The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has always frowned at ransom payment and has consistently advised families of victims to provide security agencies with credible information to aid rescue efforts.”
The police spokesperson added that the monarch had been reunited with his family and that security operations would continue to prevent further attacks in the area.
Oba Olanipekun, popularly known as the Oniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted on December 31 during a coordinated attack on his palace.
According to residents, about eight gunmen stormed the palace around 8pm, firing gunshots into the air and creating panic in the area. Witnesses said the attackers demanded to see the monarch and his wife.
In the chaos that followed, the monarch and one of his sons, Olaolu, were taken away by the gunmen. Olaolu is a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The attackers reportedly escaped through nearby bushes, taking advantage of the rural terrain and limited security presence in the area at the time.
The attack left the community in shock, as many residents said it was the first time such a high-profile kidnapping would happen in Afin.
Two weeks after the abduction, Olaolu was released following the payment of N20 million ransom after prolonged negotiations between the family and the kidnappers.
His release brought some relief, but anxiety remained high as the monarch was still in captivity. Community leaders, family members, and religious groups continued to pray and call for his release.
Residents also appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the traditional ruler and restore peace to the area.
The abduction and prolonged captivity of the Oniwo of Afin sparked fear and anger among residents of the community and neighbouring towns.
Many residents described the incident as a sign that kidnappers and bandits were becoming bolder in Kwara State, especially in rural communities where security presence is often limited.
“This is a traditional ruler, someone everyone knows. If this can happen to him, then ordinary people are not safe,” a resident said.
Community members held meetings and peaceful gatherings to draw attention to the security situation and urged authorities to act swiftly.
Some residents also complained that farmers and traders in the area had been living in fear due to frequent reports of attacks, robberies, and kidnappings along rural roads.
The kidnapping of the Oniwo of Afin is one of several high-profile abductions recorded in Kwara State in recent months. Security experts have raised concerns about the growing activities of criminal groups, particularly in the southern axis of the state.
Areas such as Ifelodun, Irepodun, and parts of Oyun Local Government Areas have witnessed cases of kidnappings, attacks on travellers, and threats to rural communities.
The situation has raised questions about border security, as some of the affected areas share boundaries with neighbouring states and have vast forests that criminals use as hideouts.
In response, the Kwara State Government has repeatedly assured residents that it is working closely with security agencies to tackle the problem. Measures such as joint patrols, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with local vigilante groups have been strengthened in recent months.
The release of Oba Simeon Olanipekun has brought renewed hope to the Afin community, even as concerns about security remain.
Traditional leaders and residents have described his freedom as a relief not only to his family but to the entire community, where he plays a key role in maintaining peace and unity.
As he recovers from his ordeal, many are calling on authorities to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are arrested and brought to justice.
Residents also hope that lessons will be learned from the incident and that stronger steps will be taken to protect rural communities across Kwara State from similar attacks in the future.
For now, Afin community is thankful that its monarch is back home alive, marking the end of a painful chapter that began on the last day of the year.