The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.

The monarch passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital, according to his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.

“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 abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.

He regained his freedom five days later after security forces launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area, where three kidnapped victims were found.

The rescue followed a report received at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who alerted authorities after one of his colleagues was shot while operating in the bush.

A combined team of police officers, soldiers and vigilantes was subsequently deployed to the area.

Police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle after spotting the advancing operatives. One alleged kidnapper was killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding area.

The security team continued the search and eventually located the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.

News of the monarch’s death was announced by Bisi Fakayode, National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death have not been publicly disclosed beyond his family’s account that he fell ill after his release.

Kaduna Traditional Rulers Set for 100% Pay Rise as Zazzau Emir Backs Proposal

The proposed doubling of salaries and allowances for traditional rulers in Kaduna State has received the backing of the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Bamalli.

Bamalli, who chairs the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs, described the proposed increase as a welcome relief, citing rising living costs and the declining value of the naira.

Speaking to journalists at his palace in Zaria on Friday, the Emir said discussions on the adjustment had been ongoing for about seven months, with Governor Uba Sani and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, working towards its implementation.

Following the government’s announcement, Bamalli said he was optimistic that the new remuneration package would soon become a reality.

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He also highlighted the wider role of traditional rulers in governance, particularly in conflict resolution, grassroots mobilisation and peacebuilding.

Bamalli disclosed that the Zazzau Emirate had resolved more than 2,000 civil cases through its alternative dispute resolution system over the past two years, helping to reduce pressure on conventional courts.

He said the cases largely involved matrimonial disputes, inheritance, land matters and other civil disagreements, while criminal cases were referred to conventional courts.

The Emir attributed the relative peace in the emirate to an inclusive leadership approach that recognises different ethnic and religious communities, including Igbo, Yoruba and Fulani groups, as well as Christian leaders.

He also praised the Kaduna State Government for maintaining a cordial relationship with traditional rulers, saying regular consultation had helped address issues affecting residents.

The proposed pay rise now awaits implementation as traditional rulers continue to play a significant role in community affairs and grassroots governance across the state.

Kaduna Traditional Rulers Set for 100% Pay Rise as Zazzau Emir Backs Proposal