Bandits have released Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state, after 25 days in captivity.
The traditional ruler was freed on Tuesday at about 7pm after his family and community members paid a ransom.
Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, a senior member of the royal family, confirmed the monarch’s release on Wednesday.
Lawal said residents of Ojibara at home and in the diaspora jointly raised the ransom demanded by the abductors.
His words: “We paid ransom when he had spent 15 days with the terrorists. They collected the money but refused to release him. We had to contribute again, and the second payment was delivered yesterday (Tuesday) before he was finally freed.”
He said Oba Kamilu was immediately taken to a hospital in Ilorin, the state capital, for medical attention after weeks in captivity.
Lawal added that the monarch’s mobile phone was taken from him to allow adequate rest on doctors’ advice.
Members of the royal family accused the Kwara state government and security agencies of failing to assist in securing the monarch’s release.
“The Kwara State Government did not contribute to the ransom, and there was no serious attempt to rescue Oba Kamilu. We, the family and the community, contributed to get our king free. No one from the government or the security agencies made any effort to get him out of the hands of the terrorists,” a family source said.
The abduction and prolonged detention of the monarch have heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara state.
Oba Kamilu was kidnapped on November 29, 2025, by armed men.
Lawal said the family was forced to sell properties and exhaust personal resources to raise the ransom demanded by the abductors.