The family of Pa. Dada James Ogunyanda, the first-class traditional ruler known as the Obalohun of Okoloke community in Yagba West local government area of Kogi State, is urgently calling for support to meet the ransom demand set by kidnappers holding him captive.
The royal father was abducted from his palace around 2 a.m. last Thursday and taken to an unknown location. Since then, his family has been struggling to raise the huge ransom requested by the kidnappers.
Contrary to recent media reports that the ransom amount was lowered to N12 million, the family clarified that the kidnappers still insist on N50 million. Originally, the kidnappers demanded N100 million.
A family source said, “As of Sunday the family members have raised the sum of N25 million, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50 million. They originally demanded N100 million.” He expressed deep frustration, noting that some politicians who were supposed to assist them have not been supportive. “Some of them had even blocked our phone lines,” he added.
The family is especially worried about the health condition of their king, which is reportedly worsening during captivity. The source appealed to notable politicians from Kogi State including Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon Leke Abejide, Hon Faleke, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduagham, as well as the local government chairmen, to help raise funds for the king’s release.
He also urged religious leaders to keep praying for the safe return of the monarch, saying, “We are also appealing to the security agencies to intensify their efforts to rescue the old man alive and unhurt. We value him so much. We are praying that God will give the security agencies upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity.”
