The Osun State Government has deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Oloyede, with immediate effect, following his conviction and imprisonment in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud.
The decision, announced in a statement on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, was said to have been reached after consultations, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.
According to the government, the monarch’s removal was carried out in line with the provisions of the Osun State Chiefs Law and other relevant statutes governing traditional institutions in the state.
Oba Oloyede, who presided over the ancient town of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, was recently convicted in the United States and is currently serving a prison sentence.
As part of the action, the state government withdrew the staff of office and all instruments of authority earlier conferred on the monarch, thereby declaring the stool of Apetumodu vacant.
“The government will, in due course, communicate the appropriate steps regarding succession in line with customary and legal frameworks,” the statement said.
Security agencies have been directed to maintain law and order in the community, while residents, kingmakers, ruling houses, and other stakeholders were urged to remain calm and law-abiding.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of traditional institutions and ensuring due process in chieftaincy matters across the state.
Oba Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was on August 26, 2025, sentenced by Christopher A. Boyko of the U.S. District Court to four years’ imprisonment for his role in a scheme that exploited COVID-19 relief programmes designed for struggling small businesses.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the former monarch also forfeited a property in Medina, Ohio, acquired with proceeds of the fraud, as well as $96,006.89 traced to the scheme.
He was further ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution.
The development has heightened tension in Ipetumodu, with divisions emerging over the future of the stool.
While some stakeholders advocatr leaving the throne vacant pending the former monarch’s return, others have called for the immediate installation of a new ruler.
Notably, two ruling houses in the town; Aribile and Fagbemokun, alongside kingmakers, had earlier urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to formally declare the stool vacant and commence the selection process for a new Apetumodu.
The groups had also accused the government of delaying action following the monarch’s conviction, a claim that appears to have been addressed by the latest decision.
