Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has deposed Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area.
The deposition of Oba Oloyede followed his conviction by a United States of America court on charges of wire fraud, false tax returns, and money laundering.
The governor acted after the state government received the Certified True Copy of the judgment from a United States District Court in Ohio.
Oba Oloyede, a Nigerian-American citizen, was arrested in May 2024 while visiting the US in connection with fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds.
On August 26, 2025, US District Judge Christopher A. Boyko sentenced him to 56 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to the charges.
In a statement issued on Monday through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke explained that the deposition was necessary to protect the integrity of the traditional institution.
“The Osun State Executive Council had last year directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally request the Certified True Copy of the judgment from the Ohio court.
“The Council took the position that government decisions on such sensitive matters should not rely solely on social media reports,” the statement said.
The deposition order, signed by the governor on May 7, 2026, stated that Oba Oloyede’s conduct — as established by the US court — had brought the stool of Apetu of Ipetumodu and the institution of Obaship into public disrepute.
The order cited the need to maintain peace, order, and good governance in the community.
“With this deposition, the stool of Apetu of Ipetumodu is now declared vacant.
“Necessary processes will be initiated in due course to select and install a new Apetu in accordance with the relevant laws and customs,” it added.
Governor Adeleke also appealed to the people of Ipetumodu, particularly the sons and daughters of the town, to remain calm and law-abiding as the selection process for a new monarch unfolds.
The monarch’s removal underscores the state government’s stance that traditional rulers must uphold high moral and ethical standards befitting their revered positions.
