The family of Pa Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke community in Yagba West Local Council, Kogi State, has appealed to well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to assist in raising the N50 million ransom demanded by his abductors.
The first-class traditional ruler was kidnapped from his palace at about 2:00 a.m. last Thursday and taken to an undisclosed location.
Speaking to The Guardian by phone, a palace source refuted media reports that the ransom had been reduced to N12 million. “As of yesterday, Sunday, we, as family members, had raised the sum of N25 million, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50 million. They originally demanded N100 million,” the source said.
The family expressed frustration over the lack of support from government officials and politicians, particularly members of the National Assembly from Kogi West. “Our major frustration as a family is that government people and politicians who are our friends and cousins have abandoned us in the struggle to save the life of the traditional ruler. Some of them have even blocked our lines,” the source lamented.
The family disclosed that they had sold personal belongings to raise the N25 million. “We are highly worried because the life of our king is deteriorating,” the source added.
The family issued a heartfelt appeal to individuals and organisations for assistance. “We use this medium to appeal to all highly spirited individuals and corporate organisations to help make up the N50 million.
The life of our king is in danger; we need help from anywhere possible: journalists, bankers, teachers, traders,” the source pleaded.
They also specifically called on prominent politicians, including Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Sunday Karimi, Honourable Leke Abejide, Honourable James Faleke, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduagham, and others, to assist in raising the funds. “The entire family is in distress over the welfare of our king, who was abducted five days ago.”
The family urged pastors and Imams to continue praying for divine intervention and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the monarch alive and unharmed. “We value him so much. We are praying that God will give the security agencies the upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity,” the source concluded.
