At least 30 traditional rulers have fled their palaces in southern Kwara State as a result of a prolonged wave of kidnappings, assassinations, and violent attacks.
Our correspondents learned from two reputable community leaders that the affected monarchs were taking refuge in urban areas such as Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos.
According to the findings, some of the impacted traditional rulers come from the communities of Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon.
Some have been absent from their domains for months, while others have been gone for almost a year.
Their migration, caused by repeated attacks by armed groups, has resulted in a leadership vacuum inside their communities, leading to increased insecurity and a lack of governance as community members struggle to make decisions without their leaders present.
Wale Olasunkanmi, a resident of the Omugo community, stated that his traditional ruler, known locally as Eesa, departed due to fear of abduction.
He said, “In the past, our traditional rulers were always around. They lived among us and provided leadership during crises. But now, they don’t stay here anymore. They only come occasionally for meetings or special occasions and leave immediately.
“When attacks became frequent, it was no longer safe for them to remain in the palace. Even ordinary residents are afraid, so you can imagine what it means for a king who is always a target.”
Olasunkanmi recounted that a significant attack on the village in March 2026 marked a watershed moment.
“After the bandits attacked the church on March 22 and abducted about eight people, many families started leaving. The fear was too much. People abandoned their homes overnight,” he said.
He also stated that while there had been a slight improvement in security in recent weeks, the absence of traditional rulers continued to affect coordination and decision-making, leading to ongoing challenges in community rebuilding efforts and the restoration of trust among residents.
“Even as some people are trying to return, there is no strong leadership on the ground. That makes it difficult to rebuild confidence,” he stated.
According to him, Omugo is part of the wider Oro-Ago community, which includes roughly 15 towns such as Ajegunle, Iragbon, Ago, Oke Ayin, Oyate, and Oke Daba, all of which have faced varied degrees of violence.
Chronicle NG gathered that the Oreke and Oreke Oke-Igbo communities have been largely deserted since June 2025 following repeated bandit incursions.
The situation worsened with an attack on a marble mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo on June 4, 2025, that killed two police officials, Assistant Superintendent Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah.
Samuel Afolayan, a palace worker, said the attacks signaled the start of widespread displacement.
“Initially, they were just stealing food and livestock. But later, they started kidnapping and killing people. That was when everyone began to leave.
“As I speak to you, I have not been to Oreke since June last year. The king is not there, the palace is empty, and the entire community is deserted. Even neighboring villages along that axis have been abandoned,” he stated.
Afolayan described the area as “completely isolated” and stated that fundamental social and economic activities had ceased.
Similarly, Afin’s Oniwo, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, has not returned to his domain since he and his son were taken on New Year’s Eve.
Gunmen stormed his home in December 2025, kidnapping both the monarch and his son, a corps member.
The monarch was rescued after paying a ransom of around N30 million, while his son was released after 21 days. According to a palace source, the monarch is still being treated.
“Kabiyesi went through a very traumatic experience. He spent almost a month in captivity under harsh conditions. Given his age, it affected him seriously,” the source said.
“Since his release, he has been receiving medical attention. Doctors advised that he should rest and avoid stressful situations. That is why he has not returned to the community.”
In the Olayinka community in Ifelodun LGA, armed men stormed the palace of the monarch, Oba Salman Olátúnjí Aweda, and abducted him, his wife, and another resident early Saturday.
Police later verified the arrest of 42 alleged illegal miners in connection with the abduction, and sources revealed that the kidnappers sought a ransom of approximately N400 million.
A resident, just known as Tunde, described the attack.
“It was like a war scene,” he said.
“They came with guns and started shooting. People were running in different directions. Before we knew what was happening, Kabiyesi had been taken.”
Tunde also stated that the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of activities in the palace, suggesting they may have been informed about the miners’ visit and the money that was exchanged earlier that day. suggesting they may have been informed about the miners’ visit and the money that was exchanged earlier that day.
“Earlier that day, some miners came to pay royalties to the king. So, when the attackers came at night, they demanded the money. Kabiyesi gave it to them, but they still took him away. After that incident, everyone fled. Nobody wants to stay there again,” he said.
The monarch of the Osi community in Akure North LGA, Oba David Olajide, also warned his peers to take precautions to safeguard themselves and their subjects from criminal attacks.
Olajide, who had survived a bandit raid in his town, also expressed concern that some rulers had abandoned their communities’ traditions.
He said, “The issue of insecurity in the country is getting worse to the extent that bandits are attacking obas, but we traditional rulers are not resting on our laurels. For instance, in my local government here, we are taking proactive measures, both traditional and modern, but these are matters we can only discuss in the media cautiously because they are security issues.
“Another issue is that some obas are wrongly chosen in their communities. It is very absurd to hear that bandits are killing monarchs. Bandits cannot kill a real monarch; they cannot even go near where they are, let alone attack them. In the olden days, warriors used to be made obas, so how can you attack a warrior? It is not possible.
“But the problem we are having is that some obas were not chosen the way they should be chosen. They were selected based on connections in government or because they have money. Such persons would not take the tradition of the community seriously. Nowadays, we are having politicians as obas and people who don’t understand tradition as obas. These are the problems.
“So, Obas too need to reduce their flamboyant lifestyle. They should not be seen everywhere, at every ceremony, spraying money or moving in convoy. We obas should understand the issue of insecurity nowadays and reduce all these lifestyles.”
However, the monarch asked the government and security agencies to support efforts to combat crime and criminality within their respective domains.
Meanwhile, local vigilante organizations claim they are failing to control the situation due to inadequate equipment and support.
Musa, a vigilante in Ifelodun, claimed that armed groups had taken control of the area’s woodlands.
“We know these forests, but they have better weapons. Sometimes, before help comes, they are gone.
“Even with our local guns, we are always facing them without fear, but you know their superior firepower always gives them the upper hand,” he said.
He did, however, advocate for greater cooperation between vigilantes and professional security forces, including increased financing and equipment.
Bode Iranloye, Chairman of the Igbomina Professional Association, called the situation “alarming.”
“This menace has destroyed the peaceful nature of our communities. It has affected agriculture, commerce, and communal life,” he said.
Iranloye proposed increased intelligence collection, the use of surveillance technology, and stronger supervision of illegal mining activities.
Sadiq Lawal, a security analyst, described the pattern as alarming.
He said, “When criminals begin to target traditional rulers, it is a clear indication that authority structures have collapsed. In many African societies, kings are seen as sacred and untouchable. Once they become targets, it means the criminals are no longer afraid of consequence.”
