Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has ordered immediate action regarding the case of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the traditional ruler of Ipetumodu, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States for fraud.
The governor’s directive came during the State Executive Council meeting held on Friday, amid growing calls by some natives of Ipetumodu for the monarch’s removal and the installation of a new king.
According to a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Governor Adeleke described the situation as “ugly” and “unfortunate,” calling for swift and appropriate steps by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
He tasked the ministry to urgently look into the matter and consult relevant stakeholders to determine the best course of action for the town and the traditional institution.
Oba Joseph Oloyede, known as the Apetu of Ipetumodu, was recently convicted in the United States over his role in a large-scale fraud involving COVID-19 emergency loan schemes.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the monarch led a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars meant to support struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On August 26, 2025, U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko sentenced Oba Oloyede to three years of supervised release following a prison term and ordered him to pay $4.4 million in restitution.
Since the monarch’s conviction became public, tension has been rising in Ipetumodu, located in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State.
While many indigenes and members of the royal family are calling on the state government to begin the process of selecting a new king, some traditional kingmakers in the town have reportedly resisted the push, arguing that the matter requires deeper consultation.
Sources within the community say that princes from eligible ruling houses are insisting that the throne must not remain vacant, especially as the monarch may be unable to perform his traditional duties for the foreseeable future due to his legal troubles abroad.
The debate has created a sharp division in the town, with fears that the disagreement could escalate if the state government delays its intervention.
With Governor Adeleke now officially involved, expectations are high that a decision will be made soon regarding the future of the Apetu stool.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is expected to begin consultations with traditional leaders, kingmakers, and community elders to determine the legal and customary implications of Oba Oloyede’s absence.
For now, the fate of the Ipetumodu kingship hangs in the balance as the state government weighs its next move.
