By Frontline Reporters
No fewer than 30 traditional rulers across Kwara State’s southern axis have abandoned their palaces in the face of relentless kidnappings, killings, and violent raids, Frontline Reporters has gathered.
Multiple community sources confirmed that the embattled monarchs have relocated to safer urban centres such as Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and even as far as Lagos, leaving behind empty palaces and deeply unsettled communities.
The affected areas include Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon, among others—many of which have witnessed repeated attacks over the past year.
While some rulers have been absent for months, others have not returned for nearly a year, creating a dangerous leadership vacuum in communities already struggling to survive.
A resident of Omugo, Wale Olasunkanmi, told Frontline Reporters that fear of abduction forced their monarch, the Eesa, to flee.
“In the past, our traditional rulers stayed with us and led during crises. Now, they only come briefly and leave immediately,” he said.
“When the attacks became frequent, it was no longer safe. If ordinary residents are afraid, imagine the king, who is always a prime target.”
He recalled a March 22, 2026 attack on a local church where about eight people were abducted, describing it as a turning point.
“After that, families fled overnight. Even now, though security has slightly improved, there is no strong leadership to rebuild confidence,” he added.
Findings indicate that Omugo is part of the wider Oro-Ago cluster—about 15 communities including Ajegunle, Iragbon, Ago, Oke Ayin, Oyate, and Oke Daba—all affected to varying degrees.
In Oreke and Oreke Oke-Igbo, the situation is even more dire. Both communities have been largely deserted since June 2025 following repeated bandit incursions.
The crisis escalated after a deadly June 4, 2025 attack near a marble mining site, where two police officers—Assistant Superintendent Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah—were killed.
A palace worker, Samuel Afolayan, described the aftermath:
“At first, they stole food and livestock. Later, it became kidnappings and killings. That was when everyone left. The king is gone, the palace is empty, and the entire area is deserted,” he said.
He added that the once-bustling communities are now “completely isolated,” with economic and social life brought to a halt.
The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, remains absent after a traumatic abduction on New Year’s Eve 2025, when gunmen kidnapped him and his son.
Though both were eventually released after ransom payments reportedly exceeding ₦30 million, palace sources say the monarch is still undergoing medical treatment and has been advised to avoid stress.
Across the region, the toll has been devastating: farms abandoned, schools shut, and markets deserted as residents flee.
The latest attack occurred in Olayinka community, Ifelodun LGA, where armed men stormed the palace of Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda in the early hours of Saturday, abducting him, his wife, and another resident.
Police later confirmed the arrest of 42 suspected illegal miners linked to the incident, while sources disclosed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of about ₦400 million.
A resident, Tunde, described the scene:
“It was like a war. They came shooting, people ran in all directions, and before we knew it, Kabiyesi was gone.”
He alleged that the attackers had prior knowledge of palace activities, including payments made earlier that day.
“They collected the money but still took him. After that, everyone fled. Nobody wants to stay anymore,” he said.
Beyond Olayinka, a grim pattern has emerged.
In September 2025, the Baale of Ogbayo in Oke-Ode was killed in his palace. Earlier, in February 2024, the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti, Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, was murdered, with his wife abducted.
In November 2025, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Oba Kamilu Salami, was abducted and later released after 25 days in captivity.
Ransom demands, sources say, now range between ₦40 million and ₦400 million, forcing families to sell assets or incur heavy debts to secure freedom.
Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, told Frontline Reporters that the warning signs were long ignored.
“More than 28 communities in Ifelodun alone have been abandoned. Places like Olayinka, Oro-Ago, Omugo, Ahun, Oke-Oyan, Owa-Kajola, Owa-Onire, and Oba are now ghost towns,” he said.
“The reality we warned about has become undeniable.”
Residents say the crisis has crippled agriculture and worsened food insecurity.
“I sell yam, but I cannot go back home. Farming is too dangerous now,” said Bose Adeyemi, who relocated to Ilorin.
Retired civil servant Janet Adebisi echoed similar fears: “I invested my gratuity in farming, but I cannot even visit. My life comes first.”
The situation has also placed the Kwara State Traditional Council under scrutiny, with critics questioning its visibility and response.
While insiders say engagements with government and security agencies are ongoing, community leaders insist more must be done.
“Our royal fathers must speak with one voice. People expect leadership at a time like this,” said Adebayo Ojo from Ekiti LGA.
Meanwhile, socio-political advocate Abdul-Rahoof Bello-Labelabe blamed worsening insecurity on illegal mining and weakened local structures, insisting many monarchs now only visit their domains briefly, if at all.
Local vigilantes say they are overwhelmed.
“We know the forests, but they have better weapons,” said Musa, a vigilante member. “Before help comes, they are gone.”
Security analyst Sadiq Lawal warned that the implications are grave:
“When criminals begin to target traditional rulers, it signals a collapse of authority. In African societies, kings are sacred. Once they are no longer feared, it means the system itself is under siege.”
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2026-04-25