Abducted Kwara Traditional Ruler Dies In Captivity Despite Ransom Payment

Salman Olatunji Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has died while in captivity, weeks after he was abducted by kidnappers.

The monarch was taken from his community last month, and his captors later demanded N21 million, two new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol for his release.

Residents and community leaders reportedly raised a large amount of money in an effort to secure his freedom.

However, news later emerged that the monarch had died before he could return home.

According to SaharaReporters, Olatunji’s death was announced through an emotional voice message shared by a member of the committee set up to coordinate efforts for his release.

In the message, the committee member urged residents to accept the tragedy as God’s will, saying everyone eventually returns to their Creator.

He informed members of the Olayinka community that their monarch had died despite the prayers, negotiations, and efforts made by family members, community leaders, and religious groups to bring him back safely.

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 Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”

According to him, various reports and rumours that had circulated about the monarch’s condition were eventually confirmed to be true.

“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,” he said.

“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 also disclosed that members of the Muslim community had arranged special funeral prayers for the late monarch even though his body 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,” he said.

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

Meanwhile, a Kwara resident who was recently released by the kidnappers confirmed that the community had paid a substantial ransom in an attempt to secure the monarch’s freedom.

The source said Oba Salman was abducted about a month ago, after which negotiations began between the kidnappers and representatives of the community.

According to the source, the abductors eventually received the ransom package, which included N21 million in cash, two motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol.

“The traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area was k!lled by his abductors despite the ransom payment made by the community,” the source said.

ALAO READ: Gunmen Kidnap 10 People From Emir’s Palace In Kwara