Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially deposed the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction and imprisonment in the United States over fraud-related offences.

The monarch was convicted by a US District Court in the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025, after pleading guilty to tax fraud charges and was subsequently sentenced to 56 months in prison.

Adeleke acts after receiving court judgement

The Osun State Government confirmed the monarch’s removal in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

According to the statement, the decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the judgement delivered by the Ohio court.

“The governor’s decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgement which convicted the monarch,” the statement read.

The government explained that the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to obtain the certified judgement before taking official action.

Royal stool declared vacant

Governor Adeleke stated that the deposition became necessary to protect the integrity and honour of the traditional institution.

“In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and good government as well as preserve the honour and integrity of the royal stool,” the statement added.

The government also said the monarch’s conviction and public trial had brought the traditional stool into disrepute.

“The fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede as found by the US court and which he pleaded guilty to and his public trial and conviction have brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu to disrepute and public odium,” the statement noted.

Authorities confirmed that the stool of the Apetu of Ipetumodu has now been declared vacant pending the selection of a new monarch.

Residents had earlier protested

The development follows earlier protests in Ipetumodu, where residents reportedly demanded the monarch’s removal after news of his conviction surfaced online.

Governor Adeleke appealed to indigenes of the community to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the process of selecting a new traditional ruler begins.