Abducted Ondo Traditional Ruler Regains Freedom

Kidnappers yesterday released the Oluyani of Iyani in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Joel Daodu, four days after he was abducted on Owo-Ikare Road. The traditional ruler, according to a family source, was released after the payment of ransom to the kidnappers.

Daodu was abducted on his way to Akure, after attending a social function in Oba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area. A source said the family paid N2 million ransom before the monarch was released yesterday evening. The monarch, who lives in Akure, was kidnapped on Saturday. The abductors had demanded N15 million. They later slashed it to N3 million.

But the source said the abductors, who called a family member, asked the family to make the money available yesterday by 9 a.m. However, the abductors did not disclose the place where the money should be dropped.

The monarch was dropped at Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, said the monarch had been released but declined further details. He said Daodu was with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Oba Akoko Police Division. Meanwhile, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has congratulated Oba Daodu, on his safe return home.