The traditional ruler of Owa-Onire in Kwara State, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, has fled his palace and is now living in a remote area on the outskirts of Ilorin, citing persistent security threats and repeated attacks on his community.
The monarch disclosed that he abandoned his residence following a series of violent incidents, including a brazen attack on his palace on December 31, 2025. According to him, armed men stormed the palace, broke through gates and doors, and robbed him at gunpoint.
“Eight terrorists broke the gates and doors of my palace on December 31, 2025. They collected my phone and that of my Olori and some money I had with me at gunpoint. But they didn’t order me to follow them. Though they later went away with two of my palace aides,” he recounted.
Oba Fabiyi revealed that the latest incident came barely a year after he was abducted and held captive for seven days before regaining freedom following the payment of a ₦5 million ransom by members of his community.
“I guess that was why they didn’t ask me to follow them at gunpoint on December 31, 2025,” he said, suggesting the attackers may have recognized him from the earlier kidnapping.
The monarch declared that he would not return to his palace unless adequate security measures are put in place. He lamented the absence of basic security infrastructure in the community, including a police station.
“We have been appealing to the government to provide security for us in Onire. For instance, we don’t have any police station or security outfit, so it makes our community very porous,” he said.
He further highlighted the lack of forest guards and the limited capacity of local vigilante groups to effectively respond to armed attacks.
“If there’s no security in my community, I won’t return to the palace. The government should please provide security for us. We are ready to complement them with our local vigilantes,” he added.
Oba Fabiyi also noted that the worsening insecurity has forced several traditional rulers in neighboring communities to abandon their domains entirely. He cited areas such as Owa Kajola, Oke-Oyin, and Ofaro as among those affected.
“Over the years, monarchs have only visited the community at weekends. But now many have completely left because of the challenges of insecurity,” he said.
The development underscores growing concerns over rural insecurity in parts of Nigeria, where communities continue to grapple with attacks by armed groups amid calls for stronger government intervention.
