Kidnapped Kwara Prince Regains Freedom As Father, Others Remain In Captivity

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

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

Olaolu was abducted alongside 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 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 Aafin 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.