The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The monarch was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community. He was rescued five days later during a security operation in the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.

His 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 the monarch’s soul.

The monarch’s son, Prince Olasunkanmi, also confirmed the death, saying his father died at a hospital in the early hours of Saturday following a brief illness.

“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.

The monarch was among three kidnapping victims rescued by security operatives during the operation.

According to the Kwara State Police Command, the operation began after a vigilante reported that one of his men had been shot while in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

The Divisional Police Officer at the Oro Police Station subsequently led a combined team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.

Police said the suspected kidnappers opened fire after spotting the advancing security team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire in which one suspected kidnapper was killed.

The other suspects fled into the surrounding terrain as security personnel pursued them and found the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.