Convicted Osun Monarch deposed by Governor Adeleke
By Tolulope Thomas
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially approved the removal of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area following his conviction in the United States over charges of tax fraud and money laundering.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the decision came after the state government received a Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by an Ohio court, which found the monarch guilty of the offences.
Rasheed explained that the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally obtain the court judgment from the United States. This, he said, was to ensure that any government action would be based on verified legal documentation rather than unconfirmed reports circulating on social media.
He added that in the Deposition Order signed by Governor Adeleke on May 7, 2026, the action was taken in the interest of peace, good governance, and the protection of the integrity of the traditional institution.
The statement further noted that the court findings, which included Oba Oloyede’s admission of guilt, as well as his trial and conviction, had damaged the reputation of the Apetumodu stool and the traditional institution in general, making his removal necessary.
Oba Joseph Oloyede was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to 56 months in prison after being found guilty of wire fraud, filing false tax returns, and conducting financial transactions involving proceeds of criminal activity.
Following the deposition, the government declared the Apetumodu throne vacant and confirmed that steps would soon be taken to begin the process of selecting a new traditional ruler.
Governor Adeleke also appealed to the people of Ipetumodu to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as arrangements for the appointment of a new monarch get underway.