The monarch of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, who was kidnapped from his palace by terrorists on April 17, 2026, has been confirmed dead after payment of N18 million ransom, out of the N21 million demanded.
It was also gathered that the community had bought two new motorcycles and provided 100 liters of petrol demanded by the kidnappers, yet he was not released.
It was learned that when community people sought to speak with the monarch, the terrorists demanded additional money, at which point they suspected that he had died while in their den.
Sources said his death was announced in a voice message obtained from a member of a community committee that had been involved in ongoing efforts to secure his freedom.
In the audio, the committee member informed residents that multiple interventions by family members, community leaders, clerics and concerned stakeholders had failed to bring the monarch home alive.
The speaker, while addressing indigenes of Olayinka community, attributed the development to divine will and urged residents to accept the outcome.
He said: “Allah in His mercy said in the Holy Qur’an that we all human beings on earth belong to Him, and to Him we shall return, whether when we expect it or when we do not expect it.”
“This is to inform the Olayinka community, both male and female, young and old, that our beloved father, His Royal Highness Alhaji Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”
He further explained that earlier reports and speculations about the monarch’s condition had now been confirmed, noting that extensive rescue efforts did not yield the desired result.
“All the rumours everyone has been hearing from different angles, and all the efforts that have been made by family members, residents, committees and Islamic clerics, have now led to this moment.
