The Osun State Government has removed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, from office following his conviction and imprisonment in the United States for a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that the monarch’s removal takes immediate effect. He said the decision was approved by the State Executive Council after due consultation and legal review. “The stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu is hereby declared vacant,” the statement said, adding that the monarch’s staff of office and all instruments of authority had been withdrawn.
The government said the action was taken in accordance with the Osun State Chiefs Law and other relevant statutory provisions guiding the appointment and discipline of traditional rulers. It added that the process of selecting a new monarch would follow established procedures, including consultations with kingmakers and community stakeholders.
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by a US District Court after being found guilty of participating in a conspiracy to defraud Covid-19 relief programs. The schemes were designed to support small businesses affected by the pandemic. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the former monarch led a scheme that fraudulently obtained relief funds and diverted them for personal use. Investigators traced part of the proceeds to the purchase of a residential property in Medina, Ohio, which has since been ordered forfeited.
The court sentenced him to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution and to forfeit $96,006.89 linked to the fraud.
Oba Oloyede ascended the throne in November 2019 after his selection was ratified in October of the same year by then-Governor Gboyega Oyetola. He succeeded the late Oba James Adedokun Adegoke, who died in November 2017.
The Osun government said its decision underscores the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards within traditional institutions, especially in matters with international implications.
Further announcements regarding the selection of a new Apetumodu are expected in due course.
