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Tag: Oba Joseph Oloyede

  • Adeleke Deposes Osun Monarch Jailed in US Over Fraud Conviction

    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.

  • Osun Government Deposes Ipetumodu Monarch Oba Oloyede, Declares Stool Vacant After US Fraud Conviction

    The Osun State Government has officially deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, with immediate effect.

    The decision was announced on Monday following approval by the State Executive Council.

    Government Cites Law and Conviction

    In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government said the action followed due consultation and legal review.

    It stated that the monarch’s conviction in the United States for COVID-19-related fraud influenced the decision.

    “Oba Oloyede… was removed in line with state laws governing traditional institutions,” the statement read.

    Staff of Office Withdrawn, Stool Declared Vacant

    The state government also announced the withdrawal of the monarch’s staff of office and other instruments of authority.

    This effectively declared the throne of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu vacant.

    It added that security agencies have been directed to maintain peace in the community while stakeholders are urged to remain calm.

    Legal Troubles in the United States

    Oba Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced in August 2025 to four years in prison for leading a COVID-19 loan fraud scheme.

    U.S. authorities said he exploited emergency loan programmes meant for struggling businesses, leading to millions of dollars in losses.

    He was also ordered to forfeit property and pay over $4.4 million in restitution.

    Succession Tensions in Ipetumodu

    The development has deepened tensions in Ipetumodu, with different ruling houses divided over the future of the stool.

    Some stakeholders had earlier called on the state government to declare the throne vacant and begin the process of selecting a new monarch.

    The government, however, said it will communicate the next steps in line with customary and legal procedures.