35 Monarchs Abandon Thrones, Flee Kwara Communities As Bandits Turn Palaces To Killing Fields

Akahi News learnt that no fewer than 30 traditional rulers across the southern belt of Kwara State have deserted their palaces. The mass exodus follows a relentless wave of kidnappings, brutal killings, and armed assaults that have turned once-peaceful domains into death traps.

Akahi News gathered that these monarchs now seek refuge in urban centres such as Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos. Some have been away for months, while others have not seen their thrones for nearly a full year.

What manner of madness has befallen the land where kings become refugees? This is not a child’s play.

Leadership Vacuum Swallows 28 Communities

The displaced traditional rulers hail from Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon communities. Their absence has created a gaping leadership void.

Akahi News had earlier reported that repeated attacks by armed groups triggered this displacement. But when will the federal government wake up to this emergency?

A resident of Omugo community, Wale Olasunkanmi, told Akahi News that his traditional ruler, locally known as Eesa, fled purely out of fear of abduction.

“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,” he said.

“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 recalled that a major attack on the community in March 2026 marked a turning point no one saw coming.

“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 added that while there has been a slight improvement in security in recent weeks, the absence of traditional rulers continues to affect coordination and decision-making at the grassroots level.

“Even as some people are trying to return, there is no strong leadership on the ground. That makes it difficult to rebuild confidence.”

According to him, Omugo is part of the larger Oro-Ago community, comprising about 15 towns including Ajegunle, Iragbon, Ago, Oke Ayin, Oyate, and Oke Daba. All have experienced varying degrees of attacks. All are bleeding.

Ghost Towns and Empty Palaces: The Oreke Tragedy

Akahi News learnt that Oreke and Oreke Oke-Igbo communities have been largely deserted since June 2025. Repeated bandit incursions saw to that.

The situation escalated after an attack on a marble mining site near Oreke-Okeigbo on June 4, 2025, where two police officers — Assistant Superintendent Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah — lost their lives in the line of duty.

A palace worker, Samuel Afolayan, said those killings marked the beginning of mass 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 neighbouring villages along that axis have been abandoned.”

Afolayan described the area as “completely isolated”, adding that basic social and economic activities have collapsed. Farms lie fallow. Markets no longer sing. Schools have shut their gates.

A King Kidnapped: The Oniwo’s Traumatic Ordeal

Akahi News gathered that the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, has not returned to his domain since he was abducted alongside his son on New Year’s Eve. What kind of country allows this to happen to its fathers?

Gunmen invaded his residence in December 2025 and kidnapped the monarch and his son, who was serving as a corps member. While the son regained freedom after about 21 days, the monarch’s release came only after a ransom reportedly exceeding N30 million was paid.

A palace source said the monarch is still undergoing treatment. “Kabiyesi went through a very traumatic experience. He spent almost a month in captivity under harsh conditions. Given his age, it affected him seriously.”

“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.”

One cannot help but ask: if a king is not safe in his palace, what hope does the ordinary farmer have?

Over 28 Communities Now Ghost Towns — Traditional Council Warned Long Ago

A member of the State Traditional Council, who spoke to Akahi News on condition of anonymity, revealed that warnings had been issued months before the crisis reached this fever pitch.

“We raised alarms that communities were being deserted, but people did not take it seriously. The development is really troubling and disturbing,” he said.

“Today, more than 28 communities with traditional rulers in Ifelodun have been abandoned. Places like Olayinka, Oro-Ago, Omugo, Ahun, Oke-Oyan, Owa-Kajola, Owa-Onire, and Oba have become ghost towns. Farms are abandoned, schools shut, markets dead. The reality we warned about has become undeniable.”

Residents said the crisis has severely disrupted agriculture and worsened food insecurity across the region. When farmers cannot farm, the entire state goes hungry.

Akahi News had earlier reported that bandits now operate with terrifying audacity, but this new dimension — targeting traditional rulers — signals a complete breakdown of societal respect.

Are Some Monarchs Too Flamboyant? A Controversial View

One traditional ruler, who also spoke in confidence, offered a startling perspective that may ruffle feathers.

“We are trying our best. 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.”

The monarch, however, urged the government and security agencies to support efforts aimed at fighting crime and criminality in their domains. A fair point, but will anyone listen?

Vigilantes Cry Out: ‘They Have Better Weapons’

Meanwhile, local vigilante groups say they are struggling to contain the situation due to poor equipment and shamefully limited support.

A vigilante member in Ifelodun who identified himself as Musa said armed groups have taken over forests in the area. “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 called for stronger collaboration between vigilantes and formal security agencies, including better funding and equipment. Will the government answer this cry, or will more kings flee?

Professional Association Sounds Alarm: ‘This Menace Has Destroyed Our Peace’

The Chairman of the Igbomina Professional Association, Bode Iranloye, described the situation as alarming and unacceptable.

“This menace has destroyed the peaceful nature of our communities. It has affected agriculture, commerce, and communal life,” he said.

Iranloye recommended improved intelligence gathering, deployment of surveillance technology, and stricter regulation of illegal mining activities — which many believe fuel banditry in the region.

Akahi News gathered that a security analyst, Sadiq Lawal, said the trend is deeply concerning for Nigeria’s traditional fabric.

“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.”

And when consequence dies, what follows? Only more blood. Only more empty thrones.

Key Summary Box: What You Need To Know

• Crisis: No fewer than 30-35 traditional rulers have fled their palaces in southern Kwara State due to sustained kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks by bandits.

• Displacement: Monarchs now live in urban centres like Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos. Some have been away for nearly one year. Over 28 communities have become ghost towns.

• Affected Areas: Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, Igbo Agbon, Olayinka, Oro-Ago, Ahun, Oke-Oyan, Owa-Kajola, Owa-Onire, Oba, and others in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

• Notable Incident: The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, was kidnapped alongside his son on New Year’s Eve 2025. A ransom exceeding N30m was paid. The monarch is still receiving medical treatment and has not returned.

• Impact: Leadership vacuum, abandoned farms, closed schools, dead markets, worsening food insecurity, and collapse of social and economic activities.

• Security Gaps: Vigilantes are outgunned and poorly equipped. Bandits control forest areas with superior firepower.

• What Experts Say: Targeting traditional rulers signals total collapse of authority structures. Criminals no longer fear consequences.

• Way Forward (as recommended): Improved intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, stricter regulation of illegal mining, better funding for vigilantes, and a re-evaluation of how traditional rulers are selected.

— Akahi News ongoing investigation into Nigeria’s security crisis continues.