Osun Governor Deposes Monarch Jailed in US for COVID-19 Fraud

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has deposed Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, following his conviction and 56-month prison sentence in the United States for tax and COVID-19 fraud.

The decision was announced Monday in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, after the state government received the Certified True Copy of the US court judgment

Oba Oloyede was convicted on 26 August 2025 by the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The court found him guilty of fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds and tax violations. His conviction sparked protests in Ipetumodu, with residents demanding his removal as traditional ruler.

According to the statement, the Osun State Executive Council had resolved last year to request the official court judgment from Ohio, arguing that government action should not be based on social media reports alone.

The Deposition Order, signed by Governor Adeleke on 7 May 2026, cited the need to maintain peace, order, and the integrity of the traditional institution. It stated that Oloyede’s guilty plea, public trial, and conviction had brought the stool of the Apetu of Ipetumodu into disrepute and public odium.

“By this deposition, the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has been declared vacant,” the statement said. “Necessary process will be put in place to appoint a new Apetu of Ipetumodu at the appropriate time.”

Governor Adeleke appealed to residents of Ipetumodu to remain peaceful and law-abiding while arrangements for selecting a new monarch are made.