Yoruba Union Accuses Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq Of Abandoning Kidnapped Monarch To Terrorists, Says Oba Aweda’s Death Could Have Been Prevented

Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to take decisive action to secure the release of the traditional ruler of Olayinka Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, who was reportedly killed by kidnappers despite repeated appeals for government intervention.

The group stated that the governor ignored several calls to mobilise security agencies and ensure the monarch’s safe rescue after he was abducted by suspected Fulani terrorists.

In a statement issued by the Convener of the union, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the organisation expressed deep sorrow over the death of the monarch and extended its condolences to his family and the people of Olayinka Community.

The union said it had repeatedly appealed to both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government to intervene and secure the monarch’s freedom but claimed that those appeals were ignored.

According to the statement, Oba Aweda was eventually killed despite the payment of a N21 million ransom raised through contributions from family members, friends, associates and residents of the community.

The group described the monarch’s death as a tragic reflection of the deteriorating security situation in parts of Yorubaland.

“Our traditional institution in Yorubaland has been rendered useless by those who have failed to protect it. Our traditional rulers have been subjected to ridicule and mockery.

“Our territory has been occupied by Fulani terrorists. The terrorists now come into our communities, unleash mayhem and leave without any consequences from the government of the day.

“Today, our hearts have been shattered and our eyes filled with tears over the killing of the traditional ruler of Olayinka Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. This is a clear indication that Fulani terrorists have waged war against the South-West.”

The group further questioned the state government’s lack of urgency in responding to the monarch’s abduction.

“If Oba Aweda had been Governor AbdulRazaq’s father, would he have allowed terrorists to kill him just like that without consequences or without making every effort to rescue him unharmed?, Yoruba Union said.

“Because the monarch was not from his region, he chose to leave him to die in the hands of Fulani terrorists.

“If the monarch had happened to be his father, would he have abandoned him the way he abandoned Oba Aweda despite several calls and appeals to rescue him?”

The organisation also noted that the governor showed little concern throughout the period of the monarch’s captivity.

According to ÌgbìnmóMájékóbájéIlé-Yorùbá, Governor AbdulRazaq did not comment when Oba Aweda was kidnapped and also failed to issue a statement after reports emerged that the monarch had been killed.

“Governor AbdulRazaq definitely wanted the monarch to die,” Yoruba Union said.

“He never issued a statement when the monarch was kidnapped and he refused to make a statement after the family announced the killing of the monarch.

“There is no doubt that the governor wants Kwara South to continue suffering because of the security votes he receives from the Federal Government.”

The union said the death of Oba Aweda represented a painful loss not only to Olayinka Community but also to Yorubaland as a whole.

“We condole with the family and the entire community of Olayinka over the death of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda,” the statement added.

“May God restore peace and tranquillity to Kwara South and the South-West and strengthen the family during this difficult period.

“We are strongly behind the people of Olayinka Community during this challenging time.”

The group called on both the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and protect traditional institutions from attacks by criminal elements operating across parts of the country.