By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Governor Ademola Adeleke has deposed Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, following the monarch’s conviction and imprisonment in the United States over a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud case.
The decision was announced on Monday in a statement issued by Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the governor, who confirmed that the traditional ruler had officially lost his throne after being sentenced by a US court for fraud-related offences tied to pandemic intervention funds.
Oloyede was sentenced in August 2025 to 56 months imprisonment after being found guilty of defrauding the US government of about $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds meant to support businesses affected by the pandemic.
The monarch’s removal marks a dramatic fall from grace for the royal father, whose conviction had generated controversy and embarrassment within traditional and political circles in Osun State since news of the case emerged.
Although the state government did not immediately announce arrangements for a replacement or regency in Ipetumodu, the development is expected to trigger traditional succession processes in the ancient town, while also raising fresh debates about integrity and background checks involving holders of traditional titles.
The action by the Adeleke administration may also reinforce growing pressure on public office holders and traditional institutions to uphold ethical standards, especially in cases involving international criminal convictions.
The Osun government’s move comes months after US authorities secured Oloyede’s conviction over what prosecutors described as fraudulent applications and misuse of pandemic relief funds introduced during the COVID-19 crisis.
The development was first reported by TheCable�.
