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The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after regaining freedom from kidnappers in Kwara State.
The monarch was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area of the state.
[JUST IN]: The kidnapped monarch of Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye, has been confirmed dead. pic.twitter.com/8bUJ2SVwmB
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) September 12, 2026
He was released five days later during a security operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.
The monarch’s death was announced on Saturday by the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, who expressed sadness over the development and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Punch also confirmed the death through one of the monarch’s sons, Prince Olasunkanmi.
Olasunkanmi said his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday after developing an illness following his release.
He said the family had taken the monarch to the hospital in the hope that he would recover, but he died.
“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 among three kidnapped victims rescued by security operatives during the operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.
The Kwara State Police Command said the operation followed information received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante.
The vigilante had reported that one of his men sustained a gunshot injury while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station led a joint team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.
According to the police, the suspected kidnappers opened fire after seeing the approaching security team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
The police said one suspected kidnapper was killed during the encounter, while other members of the gang fled into the surrounding terrain.
The security team pursued the fleeing suspects and subsequently found the three kidnapped victims.
The victims were evacuated from the area and taken for medical attention.
