More than 30 traditional rulers in southern Kwara have left their palaces due to a wave of targeted kidnappings. They are now ruling from safe cities such as Ilorin and Lagos to escape bandits. The absence of these kings has paralysed local leadership, halting farming and breaking down local security networks in over 28 towns.
Why over 30 Monarchs are fleeing their palaces
For months, insecurity has affected several communities across southern Kwara. Armed groups operating from nearby forests have increasingly targeted traditional rulers, believing their abduction can attract large ransom payments and generate widespread fear. Communities reportedly affected include Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu, Ailehri, Ologanmo, Igbo Agbon, and Olayinka. Residents say the absence of their monarchs has affected local leadership, intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and economic activities, particularly farming.
Full list of 11 Obas abducted, attacked or killed
The crisis in Kwara reflects a wider pattern of attacks on traditional rulers across the Southwest.
- Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda – Traditional ruler of Olayinka Community, Kwara State. He reportedly died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife.
- Oba Simeon Olanipekun – The Oniwo of Afin, Kwara State. He was kidnapped by gunmen and spent more than a month in captivity before regaining freedom.
- Oba Olufemi Adewumi – A traditional ruler in Ondo State. He was abducted during an attack on his palace and later killed.
- Oba Olatunde Olusola – The Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He was killed during an attack by armed men.
- Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin – The Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He was killed in the same attack that claimed the life of the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti.
- Oba Segun Aremu-Cole – The Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, Kwara State. The retired military officer was shot dead in his palace.
- Oba David Adebayo Fatoba – The Alara of Ara-Ekiti. He survived an attack by gunmen.
- Oba Adebayo Adewumi – The Alara of Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. He was abducted by armed men while travelling.
- Oba Tajudeen Omotayo – The traditional ruler of Imope, Ogun State. He was kidnapped along the Ijebu-Oru road.
- Oba Benjamin Olanrewaju Adisa – The Onisan of Isan-Ekiti. He was abducted by gunmen but later rescued.
- Traditional Ruler of Agbonda-Ekiti – The monarch was kidnapped from his community before security operatives and local vigilantes secured his release.
Traditionalists and rulers turn to spiritual warfare
With normal security systems stretched thin, Yoruba traditional rulers are turning to traditional methods. Following the 2026 Ifa Festival, the Ooni of Ife openly charged monarchs across the region to deploy indigenous spiritual mechanisms alongside standard security setups. From invoking ancestral deities to mobilising local hunters and vigilante groups, communities are taking their defence into their own hands as they wait for definitive state and federal intervention to clear the forest corridors.
