Residents of Bayagan Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State celebrated on Tuesday night following the release of their traditional ruler, Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara, who had been abducted by bandits 25 days earlier.
Gatekeepers News reports that the monarch was reportedly kidnapped on his farm one Saturday morning, sparking widespread fear in the community. A palace source confirmed that Oba Ojibara was safely released on Tuesday night, prompting jubilant residents to gather at the palace to greet and congratulate him and his family.
Speaking on Wednesday, the community spokesperson, Ayinla Lawal, confirmed the release, explaining that the monarch was freed after a substantial ransom was paid in two instalments. The money, he said, was raised solely by community members, as neither the local nor state governments intervened during the ordeal.
Lawal said, “I’m happy to inform you that our monarch has been released; he was released on Tuesday night. Our elders and members of the community have pleaded that we should not mention the amount, so I won’t be able to tell you the amount, but it was huge. The local government and state government didn’t come to our rescue throughout our ordeal. Only members of the community contributed the amount; it was really tough for us in the community, and that was why it took a longer time before our monarch was released. Above all, we thank Almighty God that he came back alive, and we also thank the media and members of the community for their support.”
Lawal expressed confidence that the bandits would not target the community again, noting that additional vigilantes and hunters had been recruited to maintain security. He also hoped that displaced residents would start returning to the area following the monarch’s return.
The monarch was transported to Ilorin on Wednesday morning for urgent medical attention. His immediate younger brother, Aliyu, who drove him to a private hospital in the state capital, confirmed the release and the ransom arrangement.
Aliyu recounted the challenges of dealing with the kidnappers: “Their location is very far; one can’t believe that the place is still part of Kwara State. You can’t even describe or locate the place because they move around the terrain; they don’t stay in a particular spot. They used to speak with me on Kabiesi’s phone to inform me where I should meet them. I can’t even identify any of them because they’re always in hiding. At one point, I was seriously afraid, and I told the community that I couldn’t go again, but they told me that I’m the only person that can go, being the monarch’s immediate younger brother, so I was encouraged. Thank Almighty God, I was not detained by the bandits, and our monarch is back alive.”
Attempts to reach Oba Salami for comment were unsuccessful, as he was reported to be resting at the hospital. Aliyu said, “You can’t talk to Kabiesi until after some days,” while staying by his brother’s side in Ilorin.
