The Osun State Government has announced the immediate removal of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, following legal and administrative reviews.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who said the move was approved by the State Executive Council after due consultation.
According to the statement, the removal of the monarch followed his recent conviction in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud, for which he is currently serving a prison sentence.
The government explained that the action was taken in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law (as amended) and other relevant legal provisions guiding traditional institutions in the state.
“With immediate effect, Oba Oloyede has been removed as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu. His staff of office and instruments of authority have also been withdrawn, and the stool is hereby declared vacant,” the statement said.
The government added that necessary steps regarding succession would be communicated in due course, in accordance with customary and legal procedures.
It also directed security agencies to maintain peace in the community, while urging residents, kingmakers, and all stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding during the transition period.
The statement further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of traditional institutions and ensuring that due process is strictly followed in all chieftaincy matters.
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced in August 2025 by a U.S. District Court in Ohio to four years in prison after being found guilty of leading a conspiracy to defraud COVID-19 emergency loan programmes meant to support small businesses.
Court records showed that he was ordered to forfeit properties and funds linked to the fraud and to pay over $4.4 million in restitution, in addition to supervised release after completing his sentence.
Meanwhile, the development has sparked reactions within Ipetumodu, where some stakeholders and kingmakers had earlier called for the declaration of the throne as vacant and the commencement of a fresh selection process for a new monarch.
With the latest decision by the Osun State Government, the traditional stool now officially awaits a new occupant.
