Adeleke Deposes Ipetumodu Monarch Over US Fraud Conviction

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved the removal of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction by a United States court over fraud-related offences.

The decision came after the Osun State Government received the Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by a court in Ohio, United States, where the monarch was convicted on charges bordering on tax fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.

A statement on the development indicated that the state government acted after completing due process and obtaining official court documents relating to the case.

The Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally obtain the court judgment from the Ohio court instead of relying on reports circulating on social media.

In the deposition order signed by Governor Adeleke on May 7, 2026, the government said the action became necessary to preserve the integrity and dignity of the traditional institution.

According to the order, the conduct of the monarch and his subsequent conviction had exposed the royal stool to public ridicule and damaged the image of the traditional institution.

The government stated that the decision was taken in the interest of peace, order and good governance within the community.

Oba Oloyede was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio after pleading guilty to offences involving wire fraud, filing false tax returns and engaging in monetary transactions linked to criminal proceeds.

Following the removal, the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has officially been declared vacant.

The state government said steps would commence at the appropriate time for the selection and installation of a new traditional ruler for the community.

Governor Adeleke also appealed to residents and indigenes of Ipetumodu to remain calm and maintain peace while the process for choosing a new monarch is being put in place.