The joyful news of his release quickly turned to sorrow as the Kwara traditional ruler passed on shortly after returning home.
The ancient stool of Igbesi Land is in mourning. The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has been called to the great beyond — just days after he was freed from the clutches of kidnappers in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State. What began as a moment of relief and celebration for his family, subjects, and well-wishers has now been overtaken by deep grief.
A Monarch Who Survived Captivity, But Not Its Aftermath
News of Oba Iwedunmoye’s abduction had sent shockwaves across Kwara State and beyond. Traditional rulers hold a sacred place in Nigerian communities — they are the custodians of culture, the voice of the ancestors, and the spiritual backbone of their people. So when word spread that the Onigbesi had been seized by kidnappers, prayers went up across Igbesi Land and far beyond.
His eventual release was greeted with sighs of relief and thanksgiving. But sadly, the ordeal appears to have taken a devastating toll on the royal father. Days after regaining his freedom, the monarch breathed his last, leaving his throne, his family, and his entire kingdom in profound mourning.
The Heavy Burden of Kidnapping on Our Communities
This painful incident once again shines a harsh light on the growing menace of kidnapping across Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities. No one — not even our revered traditional rulers — is safe from this criminal enterprise that has terrorised countless Nigerian families.
For many Nigerians, especially those in smaller communities, traditional rulers are not just ceremonial figures. They are fathers, protectors, and pillars. The trauma of watching your Oba — your king — dragged away by criminals is something no community should ever have to endure.
Condolences Pour In
The passing of Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across Kwara State and the wider Nigerian community. His reign, though now ended under such heartbreaking circumstances, will be remembered by his subjects in Igbesi Land.
May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, is survived by his family, his chiefs, and the people of Igbesi Land in Isin LGA, Kwara State.
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