Aweda Confirmed Dead After Kidnappers Demanded N21million, Two Motorcycles, Petrol

The traditional ruler of the Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, has been confirmed dead after his abductors reportedly demanded ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release.

The monarch’s death was confirmed in an emotional voice message obtained by SaharaReporters from a member of a committee involved in efforts to secure his freedom.

In the message, the committee member announced the tragic development to members of the Olayinka community, describing the monarch’s death as an act of God’s will despite extensive efforts by residents, family members, community leaders, and religious figures to secure his safe return.

Quoting from the message, the committee member 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 Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”

The speaker said all the reports and rumours circulating about the monarch’s fate has now been confirmed, noting that every effort made to rescue him ultimately failed.

“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. The will of God has happened. Whether one likes it or not, every soul will return to its Creator, and nobody knows the means through which that return will come,” he said.

The committee member urged residents of the community to accept the development as God’s decree.

“Oh Allah, we accept our fate. All the indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God. Since last week, committees have carried out investigations and made efforts while praying that God would return him home safely. But man proposes and God disposes,” he said.

“God has taken the monarch from the people of Olayinka. Please let us accept our fate. On behalf of all Muslims and Christians in the Olayinka community, this is to announce to you that Oba Salman of Olayinka has died and returned to his Creator. May God forgive his shortcomings.”

The speaker further disclosed that members of the Muslim community had concluded plans to hold Islamic funeral prayers for the late monarch even though his body had not been recovered.

“As required by Islamic rites, all members of the Olayinka Muslim community in Lagos are requested to gather by 8 a.m. to perform prayers and Janazah for him. Although we have not been able to locate his body, Islam teaches that funeral rites can still be performed even when the deceased is not physically present,” he said.

“May God forgive him and be with the people of Olayinka. May God reward all our efforts regarding Oba Salman. We are meeting at the Epe Muslim community.”

SaharaReporters previously reported that the abductors of the Olayinka monarch demanded ₦21 million, two brand‑new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol as conditions for his release.

Despite desperate efforts by community members and stakeholders to secure his freedom, the traditional ruler was ultimately killed in captivity, plunging Olayinka into mourning.

His death has sparked widespread grief, as residents had clung to hope that he would be freed alive after days of negotiations and rescue attempts.

A Kwara resident recently released by bandits confirmed that the monarch died despite the community paying a substantial ransom.

According to the source, the ruler was abducted about a month ago by suspected kidnappers, who later opened negotiations with community representatives. The captors reportedly received the ransom package, ₦21 million in cash, two new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol, before the tragic outcome was revealed.

“The traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area was killed by his abductors despite the ransom payment made by the community,” the source told SaharaReporters.

According to accounts from a victim recently freed by kidnappers in Sagbe, Kwara State, the Olayinka monarch had already died while in captivity.

The revelation stunned members of the Olayinka community, who had believed that the ransom payment would secure his release and had held onto hope for his safe return.(SaharaReporters)