Kwara Royal Scandal: DSS Detains Monarch’s Wife Over Alleged Links To Bandits

The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained the wife of His Royal Highness, Aliyu Alabi Yusuf (Arojojoye II), the Oba of Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, over alleged complicity in banditry activities in the LGA.

A government official familiar with the case confirmed to THE WHISTLER that both the wife and personal assistant of the monarch were detained at the DSS headquarters in Abuja for weeks as part of the investigation into the matter.

The Oba’s wife was alleged to have operated a Point of Sale (POS) system through which ransom money was processed, while the Oba’s personal assistant allegedly helped to collect and disburse funds to bandits.

The allegations have brought the traditional ruler under public scrutiny and questioned the integrity of the palace. The monarch had initially attempted legal action against community members who had raised concerns about the alleged criminal activities.

On September 2, the Oba filed a complaint of defamation of character, public incitement of violence, and false allegations at the Upper Area Court of Kwara State in the Ganmo Judicial Division.

The lawsuit listed Mr. Salaudeen Abdulrafiu, Odofin Saheed, Mr. Abdulsalam Abdullateef Olatunji, and Pastor Fatai Folaranmi Ajide as the first to fourth defendants.

In the court documents seen by THE WHISTLER, the monarch’s lawyers at Lambo Akanbi & Co argued that “The Defendants have embarked on persistent malicious and circulating false and reckless campaign of defamation against the Complainant, and they also engaged on incitement of violence, and false allegations against the Royal Family on the prominent ‘Babanla Community WhatsApp platform’ which are more than 900 members.”

The lawsuit alleged that the defendants “have made false and damaging statements alleging that some members of the Royal Family, including Barr. Mufutau Yusuf, Prince M. A. Yusuf, Prince Ras.’ Olaribigbe, Prince Kunle Yusuf and a few others are not only informants for bandits but also bandits themselves.”

The complaint further stated, “These allegations are baseless, malicious, and intended to incite violence, hatred, and harm against the Royal Family” and that “The Defendants’ actions have caused significant harm to the reputation of the Royal Family and its members, particularly Barr. Mufutau Yusuf, Prince M. A. Yusuf, Prince Rasaq Olaribigbe, Prince Kunle Yusuf and this have created a hostile environment that threatens the peace and security of the community.”

However, in a turn of events, the monarch withdrew the defamation case just thirteen days later.

On September 15, a notice of discontinuance seen by THE WHISTLER was filed before the court. The withdrawal notice indicated that “the decision followed the intervention of stakeholders in Babanla, Ifelodun Local Government, and across Kwara State, who waded in to restore peace and harmony.”

Some residents who spoke to THE WHISTLER on the condition of anonymity said the monarch may have taken the decision on realising that his claim of defamation was untenable.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command has distanced itself from the alleged investigation of the royal family.

When contacted by THE WHISTLER, SP Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, the command’s spokesperson, stated: “I’m not aware of that report. Where did you get that report? The commissioner of Police did not receive such a complaint, nor did he carry out any investigation into that. We only saw it on social media and there was no complaint or petition whatsoever.”

Amid rising tensions, the Senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, Lola Ashiru, brought together some stakeholders to assess the situation and calm the residents. The meeting was held on September 12, 2025.

Representatives were drawn from affected communities in Kwara South Senatorial District, including community leaders, youth representatives, security chiefs, and some elected officials.

The stakeholders deliberated on the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in Kwara South Senatorial District.

A communiqué issued after the meeting acknowledged “the urgent need for practical and collective solutions to restore peace, safeguard lives, and protect livelihoods.”

Among the resolutions adopted was the recommendation that “The Federal Government should immediately establish full-fledged military bases in strategic areas of Kwara South Senatorial District to enhance rapid response to security threats and provide a permanent deterrent against criminal activities.”

The meeting also endorsed “the formation of a community-based vigilante structure — to be known as Òwìwí (The Owl) — modeled after the Civilian JTF in the North East and Amotekun in the South West” to “complement the work of conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering, grassroots vigilance, and community protection.”

They said about 300 persons had been affected by recent banditry attacks in Kwara South, hence they called for “immediate food supplies, medical relief, and humanitarian assistance.”