- The Osun State Government had deposed Oba Gbenga Oloyede as Apetumodu of Ipetumodu following his conviction in the United States for COVID-19-related fraud
- The government had withdrawn his staff of office and declared the traditional stool vacant, while announcing that succession procedures would follow due legal and customary processes
- Tensions had risen in Ipetumodu as ruling houses and kingmakers had called for a swift replacement of the monarch amid ongoing disputes over the vacant throne
The Osun State Government has formally deposed Oba Gbenga Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area, with immediate effect, following his conviction in the United States for COVID-19-related fraud.
The decision was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed consultations, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.
According to the statement, the removal of the monarch was carried out in accordance with the Osun State Chiefs Law (as amended) and other relevant legal provisions governing traditional institutions in the state.
Oba Oloyede, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States, was convicted for his role in a fraudulent scheme involving COVID-19 emergency loan programmes designed to support struggling small businesses.
“The government also withdrew the staff of office and instruments of authority previously issued to the monarch, thereby declaring the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu vacant,” the statement added.
The government further noted that it would, in due course, announce the appropriate steps for succession in line with customary and legal frameworks guiding traditional rulership in Osun State. Security agencies were also directed to maintain peace and order in Ipetumodu, while residents, kingmakers, and stakeholders were urged to remain calm and law-abiding.
Oba Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced on 26 August 2025 by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to four years in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit assets, including a property in Medina, Ohio, and funds traced to the fraudulent scheme. In addition, he was directed to pay over $4.4 million in restitution and serve three years of supervised release.
His conviction had triggered tension in Ipetumodu, where opinions were divided over whether the stool should remain vacant or be filled immediately. The ruling houses—Aribile and Fagbemokun—alongside kingmakers, had previously urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the throne vacant and begin succession procedures.
The groups also accused the state government of delaying the appointment of a new monarch despite the legal developments surrounding the deposed king.
The Osun State Government, however, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of traditional institutions and ensuring due process in all chieftaincy matters across the state.