The Eleda of Eda-Ile in the Ekiti East Council area of Ekiti State, Oba Benjamin Oso, has regained freedom from his abductors after the family allegedly paid a ransom of N2 million.
The PUNCH reports that the monarch who was abducted on his farm with his wife on Friday evening regained freedom on Sunday night.
He is said to be receiving medical care in a hospital.
The gunmen were said to have demanded N20million ransom before they could release the monarch to rejoin his people, an amount which put the family in pains as they lamented that it was outrageous.
A family source, however, told journalists on Monday that the king had regained his freedom after a sum of N2million was paid to the gunmen on Sunday night.
The source, who craved anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers set Oba Oso free in a bush in the neighbouring community.
“Kabiyesi was freed on Sunday night by the gunmen after the family paid about N2 million out of the N20 million initially demanded by the gunmen. The money was raised from many people.
“As I speak with you now, he is receiving medical attention at a popular private hospital in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital,” the family source said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the release of the traditional ruler, said it was possible after a serious manhunt by the police and other security groups.
Abutu said, “Following our aggressive manhunt, the criminals abandoned the monarch at a forest between Ode Ekiti and Agbado Ekiti in Gbonyin Local Government area of the state. But the police are not aware of request for and payment of any ransom”.
