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BREAKING: Oniwo Of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, Regains Freedom After Kidnappers Collect Ransom In Kwara
The exact amount of the ransom was not disclosed.
Ilorin, Kwara State – The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, has reportedly regained his freedom after being abducted by terrorists along with his son in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to a source who spoke to Afrika Eyes on Thursday, the traditional ruler was released after a ransom was paid to the kidnappers, who had held him in captivity for several days.
However, the exact amount of the ransom was not disclosed.
The source said, “The Oniwo is now safe and have returned home. It was a tense situation, but thankfully the monarch is back with his family. The community is relieved.”
On January 1, 2026, Afrika Eyes reported that gunmen suspected to be terrorists had abducted Oba Olaonipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, instilling fear among residents amid ongoing insecurity in Kwara South communities.
Afrika Eyes gathered that the armed men stormed the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, shooting sporadically and forcing their way in after breaking down doors.
Meanwhile, during the attack, the Olori (Queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but escaped being taken away. She was later rushed to the hospital for treatment.
A palace eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the moments leading up to the abduction, saying, “I noticed some strange movements outside around 8:00pm and immediately alerted those inside. We began locking doors and switching off lights, but once they realised this, they started shooting.
“They gained entrance and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. They also asked for his wife, but she had already been hit by a bullet. Kabiyesi came out and they took him. They later discovered Olaolu in hiding and seized him as well.”
At least 10 family members and visitors were reportedly inside the palace for the holiday season when the gunmen struck.
The vigilante unit in the community, which had only two members on duty at night, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers.
