The Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has ordered full medical rehabilitation and psychological restoration of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke.

The first-class traditional ruler of Okoloke community, Yagba West Local Government, regained freedom after being held captive by kidnappers who abducted him from his palace on May 15, 2025.

On the directive of the kidnappers, selected members of his family discovered him at a designated point in the bush at 3:45 pm on Wednesday evening. He was quickly conveyed on a motorcycle to the nearest road where they could find a vehicle.

The monarch was immediately rushed to ECWA Hospital in Egbe as soon as his family picked him up from the location where he had been dumped by his abductors after they collected the ransom.

The Guardian learned that when the news of his release reached the state government, Gov. Ododo directed that the monarch be discharged from ECWA Hospital, Egbe, and brought to Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for standardized medical attention.

One of the family members informed The Guardian, “As I speak with you, we are already heading to the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja, on the order of the state governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. The governor has virtually taken over the rehabilitation of the traditional ruler. We are so grateful to the governor for his love and compassion.”

The Guardian reports that the traditional ruler was abducted from his palace at gunpoint by kidnappers who placed a ransom of one hundred thousand naira for his release.

The abduction of the monarch triggered widespread panic across the state, particularly in Yagba West Local Government Area, where incidents of kidnapping have become alarmingly frequent.

The entire people of Yagba West Local Government sought divine intervention, praying for the monarch’s prompt release, given his age.

Their prayers were answered, as other victims abducted in Okunland during the same period were killed in cold blood, while many remain in captivity in the forest.

A 72-year-old retired Major, kidnapped a few days after the monarch, was not as fortunate. He was found dead despite the payment of a ₦10,000 ransom.

The family of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda has expressed deep gratitude for Gov. Ododo’s directive ensuring adequate medical rehabilitation and psychological restoration at Federal Medical Center, Lokoja.

Meanwhile, jubilation erupted in Okoloke community following news of the monarch’s release, as crowds of jubilant residents gathered at his palace to receive him.

Though the monarch did not ultimately return to his palace, members of the community spent the night rejoicing with his family and singing praises to God.