Gunmen have abducted the Aniwo 1 of Aafin community in the Ile-Ire District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, along with one of his sons, Olaolu, following a late-night attack on the royal palace.
The attack occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, when about eight armed men reportedly stormed the palace, firing shots and demanding to see the monarch and his wife. A family source who witnessed the incident said panic broke out as the assailants began shooting when occupants attempted to secure the building.
According to the source, the gunmen forced their way into the palace after breaking down doors and insisted on seeing the Oba, who eventually came out. The attackers also demanded the presence of the queen, who sustained a gunshot injury to her arm during the invasion.
One of the monarch’s sons, who was with the queen, was also seized by the attackers. The son is said to be a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The source disclosed that several family members were in the palace at the time but hid to avoid harm. He added that the leader of the attackers spoke fluent English and appeared to be deliberately targeting the monarch and his wife.
After the assailants left with the Oba and his son, the queen was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Efforts by local vigilantes to stop the attack were unsuccessful, as only two members were reportedly on duty and were outgunned.
The incident was reported to police divisions in Owu Isin and Ijara Isin, as well as other local security formations. As of the time of reporting, no contact had been made with the abductors.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said investigations were ongoing and details were still being gathered.
