Oniwo of Afin’s son regains freedom after ₦20m ransom, monarch still in captivity

The son of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, has regained his freedom after a ₦20 million ransom was reportedly paid to kidnappers, even as the traditional ruler and other abducted residents remain in captivity in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The victim, Olaolu Olanipekun, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was released on Monday after spending several days in the custody of his abductors.

It was gathered that the kidnappers freed the young man after receiving the ransom but have continued to hold his father, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, alongside other victims seized during the same incident.

It was also gathered that Olaolu was dropped at a herders’ settlement around Oreke, also in Ifelodun Local Government Area, before being conveyed to a nearby military base.

From there, security personnel contacted members of his family to take custody of him.

It was further gathered that the freed NYSC member is currently receiving medical attention following the ordeal, as he is said to be battling physical exhaustion and psychological trauma sustained during his time in captivity.

Meanwhile, the kidnappers have now increased pressure on the royal family and the community, allegedly demanding an additional N15 million for the release of Oba Olanipekun and other abductees still with them.

On January 1, 2026, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen suspected to be terrorists had abducted Oba Olaonipekun, alongside one of his sons, Olaolu in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:00 p.m. on December 31, 2025, instilling fear among residents amid ongoing insecurity in Kwara South communities.

SaharaReporters gathered that the armed men stormed the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, shooting sporadically and forcing their way in after breaking down doors.

Meanwhile, during the attack, the Olori (Queen consort), Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but escaped being taken away. She was later rushed to the hospital for treatment.

A palace eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the moments leading up to the abduction, saying, “I noticed some strange movements outside around 8:00pm and immediately alerted those inside. We began locking doors and switching off lights, but once they realised this, they started shooting.

“They gained entrance and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. They also asked for his wife, but she had already been hit by a bullet. Kabiyesi came out and they took him. They later discovered Olaolu in hiding and seized him as well.”

At least 10 family members and visitors were reportedly inside the palace for the holiday season when the gunmen struck.

The vigilante unit in the community, which had only two members on duty at night, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers.