The Osun State Government has formally removed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, and declared the royal stool vacant, following his conviction and imprisonment in the United States over a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. The decision, announced by the state, marks a significant intervention in the affairs of a traditional institution, citing legal and ethical considerations tied to the monarch's conduct abroad.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the government said the action took immediate effect after due consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council. Mr. Alimi explained that the removal was carried out in accordance with the Osun State Chiefs Law, as amended, and other relevant statutory provisions regulating the appointment and discipline of traditional rulers in the state. He stated that the monarch's staff of office and all instruments of authority had been withdrawn, effectively stripping him of all rights and privileges attached to the throne.
"The stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu is hereby declared vacant," the statement added, noting that further steps would be taken in line with established procedures to fill the position. The government emphasized that the process would be guided by tradition, legality, and consultation with relevant stakeholders, including kingmakers and community leaders.
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced on 26 August 2025 by a US District Court after he was found guilty of his role in a conspiracy that exploited emergency financial support programs introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs, designed to assist struggling small businesses, were reportedly manipulated to obtain funds under false pretenses.
According to the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the former monarch led a scheme that diverted substantial relief funds for personal benefit. Investigators traced part of the proceeds to the purchase of a residential property in Medina, Ohio, which the court ordered to be forfeited. In addition, he forfeited $96,006.89 linked directly to the fraudulent operation. The court further sentenced him to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution, reflecting the scale of the financial losses associated with the scheme.
Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede (Latimogun I), the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, ascended the throne in November 2019 after his selection was ratified on October 26, 2019, by then Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola. He succeeded Oba James Adedokun Adegoke, who died in November 2017.
