Abducted Ondo Monarch Released

James Sowole in Akure
The abducted traditional ruler of Iyani Akoko, the Oniyani of Iyani Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Joel Daodu, was late yesterday released by his abductors.

THISDAY learnt that the Oba, who was abducted last Saturday on Owo-Ose axis on Owo-Ikare Road, was dropped at Ogbese by the abductors along with his second-in-command, that was in the same car with him. The abductors, who had earlier demanded N15 million ransom before they could release the captives, on Sunday reduced the Ransom to N3 million.

An inside source said the monarch must have been released sequel to payment of ransom.
As at the time of filling this report, the monarch was still at the police station at Iyani.
Confirming the release of the monarch, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), for the Ondo State Command, Mr Femi Joseph said he was yet to get details but said the freed monarch was with the police. Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has congratulated the monarch for his release.

Akeredolu, who hailed the security agencies in the state for their efforts in ensuring the release of the monarch, said his administration is determined to make the state unsafe for criminally-minded people.

In a statement from the office of his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Segun Ajiboye, the governor assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to their safety. Akeredolu said all relevant security agencies had been put on red alert to prevent recurrence and other criminal activities in the state.

While celebrating the release of the monarch as the triumph of light over darkness, the governor warned criminal minded persons in the state to either turn a new leaf or stay off the state. He also called on youths in the state to eschew violence and engage in legitimate means of livelihood.