From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.
The monarch, who was abducted by suspected kidnappers and later rescued by security operatives, reportedly died early Saturday morning after a brief illness believed to have followed the trauma of his abduction.
His death was announced by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, who expressed sadness over the development and prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul.
The monarch’s son, Prince Olasunkanmi, confirmed the death, saying efforts were made to save his life after his release.
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Reacting to the development, the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security Watch, Elder Olaitan Zubair, described the monarch’s death as a painful loss, particularly coming shortly after his rescue.
He commiserated with the monarch’s immediate family, the people of Igbesi, Isin Local Government and members of the security team who participated in his rescue.
“It is indeed saddening that despite our efforts to save his life, it ended in futility,” he said.
Zubair added that the late monarch appeared extremely weak when he was rescued, expressing the belief that the trauma suffered during the abduction may have contributed to his death.
He, however, said the rescue remained a source of consolation to the family and the security personnel involved.
The Igbomina Elders Council, led by Chief Solo Olaoye, also mourned the monarch, describing his death as “another avoidable death” resulting from kidnapping and insecurity in Igbomina land.
In a condolence message signed by the council’s Secretary, Chief Layi Ogundele, the elders commiserated with the monarch’s family, the Igbesi community, the Isin Traditional Council and the people of Isin Local Government.
The council commended the security personnel for their efforts in rescuing the monarch but urged government at all levels to intensify the fight against kidnapping and banditry in Igbomina land.
Also mourning the monarch, Hon. Ogundele Olabisi, popularly known as Bisi Kristien, described his death as an irreparable loss to the royal family, Igbesi community and the people of Isin.
He prayed for strength and fortitude for the bereaved family and the entire community, saying, “We love you, but the Lord loves you more.”
The death of the monarch has further renewed concerns over the impact of kidnapping and banditry on communities in Kwara South, with the Igbomina Elders Council calling for sustained security efforts to restore peace to the area.
