The Osun State Government has deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, with immediate effect.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.
According to the statement, the action followed due consultations, legal review, and formal approval by the State Executive Council.
The government said the deposition was carried out in accordance with the Osun State Chiefs Law, as amended, alongside other relevant legal provisions regulating traditional institutions in the state.
As part of the decision, the state government announced the immediate withdrawal of the monarch’s staff of office and all instruments of authority previously issued to him.
It further declared the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu vacant, thereby setting the stage for the commencement of processes that may lead to the selection of a new traditional ruler.
The development marks a major turn in the leadership of the ancient town of Ipetumodu, a prominent community in Ife North Local Government Area.
Government sources indicated that the decision was connected to the monarch’s criminal conviction in the United States.
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by Judge Christopher A. Boyko of the U.S. District Court.
He was sentenced to four years imprisonment after being convicted of leading a conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programmes created to assist struggling small businesses during the pandemic.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the fraud involved obtaining funds through false claims under pandemic relief schemes.
Authorities also ordered the forfeiture of his residence in Medina, Ohio, which investigators said was purchased with proceeds of the fraudulent scheme.
In addition, an extra $96,006.89 traced to the fraud was confiscated.
The court further ordered the former monarch to serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.
He was also directed to pay restitution totaling $4,408,543.38.
The conviction drew attention both in Nigeria and abroad because of his status as a traditional ruler, with many observers questioning the implications for the institution he occupied.
Traditional rulers in Nigeria often serve as custodians of culture, symbols of communal heritage, and mediators in local affairs. As such, misconduct involving a monarch frequently attracts public concern and calls for government intervention.
By removing Oba Oloyede, the Osun State Government appears to have acted to preserve the integrity and dignity of the traditional institution.
Legal analysts note that state governments possess powers under relevant chieftaincy laws to recognize, suspend, or depose traditional rulers under specified circumstances.
The declaration of the stool as vacant means attention will now turn to the kingmaking process in Ipetumodu, where ruling houses and traditional authorities may begin consultations on succession.
Residents of the town are expected to closely monitor the next steps, as the throne of the Apetumodu carries significant historical and cultural importance within the community.
The government has not yet announced a timeline for the appointment of an acting regent or the commencement of a fresh selection process.
However, the immediate withdrawal of all authority instruments indicates that the former monarch no longer has any official standing as ruler of Ipetumodu.
The case is likely to remain a major talking point in Osun State, particularly regarding standards of accountability for public and traditional office holders.
For now, the throne of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu remains officially vacant pending further action by the state government and relevant traditional institutions.
