Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after being held captive by armed men for 25 days.
The traditional ruler was reportedly released on Tuesday around 7:00 pm, following the payment of a ransom by his family and members of his community, who mobilized resources both locally and from the diaspora.
Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, a senior member of the royal family, told PLATFORM TIMES that the first ransom payment, made after 15 days in captivity, failed to secure Oba Kamilu’s release.
“We had to raise funds a second time, and the payment was delivered yesterday before he was finally freed,” Lawal said.
The monarch was immediately taken to a hospital in Ilorin, the state capital, for medical attention. On doctors’ advice, his mobile phone was confiscated temporarily to allow him rest after the ordeal.
Lawal and other royal family members expressed frustration with the Kwara State Government and security agencies, accusing them of inaction.
“The government did not contribute to the ransom, nor was there any serious attempt to rescue Oba Kamilu. We, the family and community, bore the full burden of securing our king,” a family source said.
The abduction has sparked renewed fears about the worsening security situation in parts of Kwara State, with residents lamenting what they describe as government neglect amid rising cases of kidnapping for ransom.
Oba Kamilu was abducted on November 29, 2025, by unknown armed men. The prolonged detention and the double ransom payments underline the challenges families face in regions where security forces appear either overwhelmed or disengaged.
The community now hopes the monarch’s release will draw attention to the urgent need for strengthened security measures to protect vulnerable citizens in Kwara State.
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