The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he regained freedom from kidnappers in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The Punch reported that the monarch was abducted on August 22 after armed men invaded Igbesi community.
He was freed five days later during a security operation in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis of the state.
The National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, announced the monarch’s death on Saturday, expressing sadness over the development and praying for the repose of his soul.
PUNCH also confirmed the death through one of the monarch’s sons, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
Oba Iwedunmoye was one of three kidnapped victims rescued by security operatives during the operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.
The Kwara State Police Command had said the operation began after a vigilante informed the Oro Police Station at about 10am that one of his men had been shot while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station led a combined team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.
The police said the suspected kidnappers opened fire after spotting the advancing security team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire during which one suspected kidnapper was killed.
The other members of the gang fled into the surrounding area as the security team pursued them and subsequently discovered the three victims, who were evacuated for medical attention.
