The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Salman Aweda, who was abducted from his palace by terrorists on April 17, 2026, has been confirmed dead after his family and community paid N18 million out of the N21 million ransom demand.
It was also gathered that the community had purchased two brand new motocycles and supplied 100 litres of petrol requested by the kidnappers, yet the monarch was not released.
Sources said attempts to communicate further with the abductors led to fresh demands for additional money, raising suspicions that he may have died while in captivity.
His death was later confirmed in a voice message reportedly sent by a member of a community committee involved in negotiations for his release.
In the audio, the committee member told residents that sustained efforts by family members, community leaders, clerics and other stakeholders were unsuccessful in securing his safe return, adding that the situation was beyond human control.
The speaker, addressing indigenes of Olayinka community, attributed the outcome to divine will and urged residents to accept it.
He 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 Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him.”
He further noted that earlier reports and speculations about the monarch’s condition had now been confirmed, despite extensive rescue efforts that yielded no positive result.
“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.”
The committee member urged residents to accept the loss in faith, stressing that both Muslims and Christians should see it as divine decree.
He added: “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.
“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.”
He also disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for Islamic funeral prayers, even though the monarch’s remains had not yet 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,’’ the source added.