Olayinka Monarch’s Death In Captivity Returns Attention To Kwara’s Worsening Security Situation…Salat al-Gha’ib Held For Him In Lagos…Kwara ADC Guber Candidate Offers Condolences
The traditional ruler of Olayinka, a community in Ifelodun Local Government, Kwara State, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda has died in captivity and attention has consequently returned to the worsening security situation in the North Central state.
Recall that Oba Aweda was abducted on April 17, 2026, after gunmen launched an attack on his palace.. Sources said the dare devil chaps had demanded the money that was given to the monarch by some miners earlier in the day which was reportedly made available to them without delay.
Despite doing this, the gunmen still took the monarch and his brother away.
As they made their way into the forest, the gunmen suddenly forced everyone to a halt, tied the brother to a tree and later continued the journey with the monarch.
The abductors had later demanded ransom for the monarch’s release which included N21 million, two brand-new motorcycles, and a jerrycan of petrol. Desperate to bring their king home, residents of Olayinka community had raised about N18 million, bought the requested motorcycles and fuel and made them available to the kidnappers.
The community members smelt danger when they sought to speak with the abducted king, and the kidnappers rather demanded additional money. An abductee , who was recently released by the same group of kidnappers, later informed members of the community that Oba Aweda has died in captivity.
It has sadly become ‘journey of no return’ for Oba Aweda as the news of his death was broken by a member of the community’s committee earlier in the week.
‘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 Salman Olatunji, the monarch of Olayinka, has answered the call of his Creator. The will of God has come to pass on him’ he submitted in a voice note.
He further noted that their worst fears have been confirmed as Oba Aweda has been made to embark on an unplanned trip to the great beyond.
‘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.
Oh Allah, we accept our fate. All the indigenes of Olayinka, both Muslims and Christians, should please accept the will of God’ he added.
The committee member in question also disclosed plans to hold the Islamic funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) for Oba Aweda in absentia which is called Salat al-Gha’ib.
‘As required by Islamic rites, all members of the Olayinka Muslim community in Lagos are requested to gather at 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 person is not physically present’ he added.
In the meanwhile, Kwara State ADC guber candidate, Hon Zakari Mohammed has mourned the passing of Oba Aweda lamenting that he still sadly died in captivity despite the enormous sacrifices made by his family, subjects, and well-wishers to secure his release.
‘Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.
It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that we received the devastating news of the death of the Asamu of Olayinka, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, who died in captivity despite the enormous sacrifices made by his family, subjects, and well-wishers to secure his release. Reports indicated that ransom and other demands were met, yet the revered monarch did not return to his people alive.
Olayinka, a peaceful town in Ifelodun Local Government, Kwara State, has been thrown into mourning by this tragic loss. The death of Oba Aweda is not only a loss to his immediate family and the people of Olayinka, but also to the entire traditional institutions and the people of Kwara State.
We extend our deepest condolences to the royal family, the elders, youths, women, and all sons and daughters of Olayinka. We share in your grief and stand with you at this difficult time’ he submitted.
Hon Zakari Mohammed, who was the spokesman for 7th House of Representatives, also noted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com that the unfortunate incident has further exposed ‘the alarming deterioration of security across our communities and underscores the failure of both the Federal and Kwara State Governments to adequately discharge their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property’.
‘It is unacceptable that a traditional ruler could be abducted from his palace, held for weeks, and eventually died in captivity despite desperate efforts by his community to secure his freedom.
Government must rise to its responsibilities and take a decisive action against the menace of kidnapping and banditry that has continued to traumatize innocent citizens. The lives of our people must never be treated as expendable.
As we mourn this painful loss, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives the shortcomings of Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, expands and illuminates his grave, admits him to Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and grants his family, subjects, and the entire Olayinka community the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.
May Allah comfort the bereaved family, preserve the unity of the people of Olayinka, and protect our communities from further tragedies’ he added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079, 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
