Following a persistent wave of kidnappings, murders, and violent attacks, no fewer than thirty traditional rulers in the southern region of Kwara State have fled their palaces.

Two reliable community leaders informed our correspondents that the impacted monarchs were fleeing to cities like Ilorin, Osogbo, Offa, and Lagos.

According to research, some of the impacted traditional leaders come from the communities of Omugo, Afin, Oreke, Oreke Oke-Igbo, Olohuntele, Alabe, Ganmu Ailehri, Ologanmo, and Igbo Agbon.

Some have been absent from their domains for months, while others have been absent for almost a year.

There is a leadership void in their communities as a result of their displacement, which was brought on by armed groups’ frequent attacks.

Wale Olasunkanmi, a resident of the Omugo community, claimed that his traditional ruler, known locally as Eesa, fled out of fear of being kidnapped.

“In the past, our traditional rulers were always around,” he stated. They coexisted with us and offered guidance in times of need. However, they no longer reside here. They only occasionally show up for meetings or special events, after which they depart right away.

They were no longer safe to stay in the palace when attacks started to happen more frequently. You can only imagine what it means for a king who is constantly under attack—even common locals are terrified.