Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has died in the hands of his abductors. He was kidnapped last month and held for ransom.
A former state legislator from the area broke the news to reporters on condition of anonymity. He said a recently released hostage from the same gang informed the community about the monarch's death.
According to the former lawmaker, the kidnappers demanded ₦21 million in cash from the community. They also wanted two brand-new motorcycles and a jerrycan of petrol before they would free him.
Residents paid the money and delivered the motorcycles and fuel. But the abductors refused to release the monarch anyway.
Nobody knows exactly what killed him in captivity. His death was announced through a voice message on Monday night.
Community leaders said in the recording that Janazah prayers would proceed according to Islamic rites. Family members and other stakeholders had worked tirelessly to bring him home, they noted.
Initial reports of his death sparked widespread doubt among officials. Police and local government authorities questioned whether he was really dead.
Kwara State Police Commissioner told journalists the claim was unverified. "I think it's a rumour," he stated when contacted.
Ifelodun Local Government Chairman Hadji Femi Yusuf said he hadn't received any official briefing. He told reporters he couldn't confirm details he knew nothing about.
But traditional council leadership later confirmed the death to our newsroom. They said community members on farm duty first announced it on their platform.
Elder Chief Omisola Amos Olayinka, secretary of the Ifelodun Traditional Council, spoke during a phone interview. He explained that initial doubt gave way to acceptance after community confirmation.
"Initially, we thought it was a rumour," Olayinka said. "But now the community confirmed it today."
He revealed that the family had spared no effort in negotiating his release. Large sums of money, motorcycles, and fuel had all been paid to the kidnappers.
"We paid a huge sum of money including motorcycles and fuel as demanded by them," Olayinka noted. "Yet the man still died in their custody."
Council members are now in mourning, he added. The monarch's death has left the community devastated.
