Kidnappers Free Son, Hold Back Kwara Monarch, Others

Prince Olaolu, the son of Oba Simeon Olanipekun, the Oniwo of Afin community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, who was abducted on December 31, 2025, has been released by his captors.

However, his father (the monarch) and others are still being held captive by the bandits, who have insisted on ransom payment running into millions of naira for their release.

Olaolu was abducted with his father and others during the violent attack by the bandits on the monarch’s palace in Afin community.

Security sources confirmed that Olaolu was released on Monday, but did not state if a ransom was paid by the community.

LEADERSHIP reports that the kidnappers had threatened to kill either the monarch or the son if the community failed to pay ransom for their release.

LEADERSHIP recalls that on December 31, 2025, eight armed bandits reportedly invaded Afin community in the Ile Ere district of Ifelodun local government area and abducted the traditional ruler, Oba Olaonipekun, alongside his son, Olaolu.

A family member, who was present at the palace during the violent incident, told journalists that the assailants appeared to have come specifically for the monarch and his wife.