BREAKING: Kwara Monarch Confirmed Dead After Bandits Collect ₦21 Million Ransom, Motorcycles, Petrol

Ilorin,  Kwara State- The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has been confirmed dead after his abductors allegedly demanded ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release.

The monarch’s death was announced by a member of a community committee involved in efforts to secure his freedom in a voice message obtained by Afrika Eyes.

In the emotional message obtained by Afrika Eyes, the committee member informed residents that all efforts by the monarch’s family, community members, committees and Islamic clerics to secure his safe return had failed.

He said: “Allah in His mercy said in the Holy Qur’an that we all human beings on earth belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether when we expect it or when we do not expect it.

“This is to inform the Olayinka community, both male and female, both young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.

“All the rumours everyone is hearing from different angles and all the efforts that have been made by the family, residents, committees and Alfas since his abduction have now ended with the will of God prevailing. Whether one likes it or not, every soul will return to its Creator, but no one knows the means through which that return will happen.”

The speaker urged residents of the community to accept the monarch’s death as the will of God, noting that extensive efforts and investigations had been carried out over the past week in the hope that the traditional ruler would return home alive.

“Oh Allah, we accept our fate. All the indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God. Despite all the investigations carried out by the committees since last week and all the prayers offered for God to return him home safely, man proposes but God disposes.

“God has taken the monarch from the people of Olayinka. Please let us accept our fate. On behalf of all Muslims and Christians of Olayinka community, this is to announce to you that Oba Salman of Olayinka has died and returned to his Creator. May God forgive his shortcomings,” he added.

The committee member further disclosed that despite the inability of the community to recover the monarch’s body, Islamic funeral prayers would still be conducted in accordance with Islamic teachings.

He said: “As required by Islamic rites, all Muslims in the Olayinka community in Lagos are expected to gather by 8 a.m. to perform prayers and Janazah. Although we have not been able to locate his body, Islam teaches that funeral rites can still be performed even when the deceased is not physically present.

“May God forgive him and continue to be with the people of Olayinka. May God reward all our efforts concerning Oba Salman. We are meeting at the Epe Muslim community.”

His killing has thrown Olayinka community into mourning, with residents lamenting the growing insecurity and rising cases of abductions targeting traditional rulers and rural communities across parts of the country.

Afrika Eyes previously reported that the kidnappers had demanded ₦21 million in cash, two brand-new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for the monarch’s release.

The monarch was reportedly kidnapped approximately one month ago, triggering efforts by members of the Olayinka community to secure his release through negotiations with the kidnappers.

The source told Afrika Eyes that after prolonged discussions, the kidnappers demanded a ransom package which the community eventually provided in a desperate bid to save the monarch’s life.

The ransom reportedly included ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles and one jerrycan of petrol.

Despite meeting the kidnappers’ demands, the monarch was allegedly not released.

According to the source, the tragic revelation emerged from a person who was recently freed by the same group of kidnappers in Sagbe, Kwara State.

“The traditional ruler of Olayinka was kidnapped about a month ago. The community negotiated with the kidnappers and paid everything they demanded,” the source said.

“The ransom included ₦21 million cash, two brand-new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol. Unfortunately, despite the payment, the monarch was not released.

“A victim who was recently released by the kidnappers in Sagbe disclosed that the traditional ruler had died while in captivity.”