Ruler of Aiyede Ekiti kingdom escapes kidnap attempt, survives gunshot

Oba Alhaji Abdul Mumini Adebayo Orishagbemi, the Attah and Paramount Ruler of Aiyede Kingdom, Ekiti State, was attacked by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday at about 9:30pm.

The incident happened when the Oba was returning from Ijero Ekiti.

His car was attacked on a spot between Isan and Iludun, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state.

Media and publicity consultant to the monarch, Bashir Adefaka, who confirmed the incident in a statement said that the traditional ruler was hit on the leg by a bullet fired by the gunmen.

Adefaka said, ’Kabiyesi, whose security personnel provided by Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were withdrawn recently for no given reason, was returning to Ijero Ekiti when he got accosted by the criminal elements, on a spot at between Isan and Iludun, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state, ‘’the statement said.

“The gunmen opened fire on the SUV car during which one of the bullets that penetrated from the owner side of the vehicle hit the Kabiyesi on his left leg. He was rushed to a specialist hospital in Oye, Oye Ekiti Local Government and is now responding to treatment. Good news, apart from his life being saved, is also that no other member of his entourage got hurt.”

Also confirming the incident, spokesperson of State Police Command, ASP Sunday Abutu, said efforts were on top gear to track down the perpetrators, adding that the monarch was responding to treatment.