Gov. Adeleke dethrones Apetu of Ipetumodu

By Ismail Azeez

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government.

The move follows the monarch’s conviction in the United States of America on charges of tax fraud and money laundering.

In a statement issued by Olawale Rasheed, the Governor’s spokesperson, it was noted that the decision followed the receipt of a Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgment.

According to the statement, “The Osun State Executive Council resolved last year that the Ministry of Local Government should write to the Ohio court to request the Certified True Copy of the judgment to form the basis for government action. The Council justified the decision to contact the Ohio court on the grounds that governmental decisions should not be based on social media reports alone.”

In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on May 7, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order, and good governance, as well as to preserve the honor and integrity of the royal stool.

The Deposition Order further stated that the fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede to which he pleaded guilty along with his public trial and conviction, brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu to disrepute and public odium.

Oba Joseph Oloyede was sentenced to 56 months in prison for wire fraud, making false tax returns, and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025.

Following this deposition, the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has been declared vacant. The necessary processes will be initiated to appoint a new monarch at the appropriate time.

The Governor appealed to the sons and daughters of Ipetumodu to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the selection process for a new king is underway.