The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, has died in Kwara State, barely 16 days after regaining freedom from the kidnappers’ den in the state.
The monarch, who was alleged to have fallen ill after his release by the gunmen, died in the hospital where he was admitted for medical care.
It was learnt that the monarch’s health condition further deteriorated and was pronounced dead by medical experts on Saturday.
The monarch’s demise was confirmed by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, who expressed sadness over the monarch’s death and prayed for the repose of his soul.
One of the monarch’s sons, Olasunkanmi, also confirmed the death, saying the family had hoped that medical treatment would help him recover.
“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.
It would be recalled that Oba Iwedunmoye was freed by his abductors from the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro forest of Isin Local Government Area after five days in the kidnappers’ den.
The monarch, who was abducted on August 22 and released five days later, was among three kidnapping victims rescued by a joint team of security personnel and local vigilantes during the operation in the area.
The Kwara State Police Command had explained that the rescue operation began after a vigilante reported at the Oro Police Station that one of his colleagues had been shot while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer led police personnel, soldiers and vigilantes into the area, where they encountered the kidnappers.
The police said the suspects opened fire after spotting the advancing team, triggering a gun battle that resulted in the death of one of the suspected kidnappers.
Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the surrounding terrain, while the security operatives continued their search and eventually located the three victims.
The rescued victims were evacuated from the area and taken for medical attention, but the monarch later died despite efforts to treat him.