The Aniwo 1 of Aafin community, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun and one of his sons, Olaolu, were reportedly kidnapped during a violent attack on their palace on new year’s eve.
According to eyewitnesses, about eight gunmen stormed the palace around 8 p.m., firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife. Panic ensued inside the palace as residents scrambled to hide.
A family source, who spoke anonymously, said: “They were about eight in number. They used their guns to break down the door and gained entrance, demanding to see the Kabiesi. They also sought his wife, who was shot in the arm during the attempt to enter the palace. One of the sons who came out from hiding with the Olori was also seized.”
The source added that the attackers were deliberately targeting the Oba and his family, with the leader reportedly speaking fluent English.
Local vigilante forces were unable to repel the assailants, as only two members were on duty at the time. The family quickly rushed the Olori (queen) to a nearby hospital after the attackers left.
The incident was reported to multiple police divisions, including Owu Isin and Ijara Isin, as well as the local joint security network.
Kwara State Police confirmed awareness of the attack but said details are still being compiled.
This abduction is part of a growing wave of insecurity in Ifelodun and other rural communities in Kwara State. In November 2025, bandits abducted another monarch, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, from his farm in the same local government area.