Kidnapped Kwara monarch dies in captivity after N18m ransom payment

The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, who was kidnapped from his palace by terrorists on April 17, 2026, has been confirmed dead after payment of N18 million ransom, out of the N21 million demanded.

It was also gathered that the community had bought two brand new motocycles and provided 100 litres of petrol demanded by the kidnappers, yet he was not released.

It was learned that when community people sought to speak with the monarch, the terrorists demanded additional money, at which point they suspected that he had died while in their den.

Sources said his death was announced in a voice message obtained from a member of a community committee that had been involved in ongoing efforts to secure his freedom.

In the audio, the committee member informed residents that multiple interventions by family members, community leaders, clerics and concerned stakeholders had failed to bring the monarch home alive.
The speaker, while addressing indigenes of Olayinka community, attributed the development to divine will and urged residents to accept the outcome.

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, young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”

He further explained that earlier reports and speculations about the monarch’s condition had now been confirmed, noting that extensive rescue efforts did not yield the desired result.

“All the rumours everyone has been hearing from different angles, and all the efforts that have been made by family members, residents, committees and Islamic clerics, have now led to this moment.

“The will of God has happened. Whether one likes it or not, every soul will return to its Creator, and nobody knows the means through which that return will come.”

The committee member called on residents of the community to accept the loss with faith, stressing that both Muslims and Christians should see it as a divine decree.

He added: “Oh Allah, we accept our fate. All the indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God.

“Since last week, committees have carried out investigations and made efforts while praying that God would return him home safely. But man proposes and 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 in the 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 disclosed that plans had been concluded for Islamic funeral prayers, despite the fact that the monarch’s remains had not yet been recovered.

“As required by Islamic rites, all members of the Olayinka Muslim community in Lagos are requested to gather by 8 a.m., to perform prayers and Janazah for him.

“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,’’ the source added

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