Kidnapping of Imope Traditional Ruler in Ogun State, Nigeria

Kolawole Omotayo, the Olori‑Ilu of Imope in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State, was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Saturday while returning from a visit to a neighbouring town. He left his palace around noon in a butter‑coloured SUV (plate W 3 J9 Ogun) heading for Ijebu Ode, and was intercepted near Oke‑Eri around 3 p.m.; the assailants left his vehicle on the road.

Security operatives, local vigilantes and hunters have mounted a search effort, and the Ogun State government has been praised for its prompt response. APC Publicity Secretary Ambassador Tunde Oladunjoye said the party has contacted the police commissioner and state security officials to fast‑track the ruler’s rescue. The abducted ruler also serves as President of the Ijebu‑Igbo club.