Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area following his conviction in the United States for tax fraud and money laundering offences.
A statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the decision followed the receipt of a Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by a court in Ohio, USA, which found the monarch guilty of financial crimes.
Rasheed explained that the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally obtain the court judgment to ensure that any government action was based on verified legal records rather than media reports.
He added that the council stressed the importance of relying on official documentation before taking decisions of such significance.
“In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the action was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and good governance, as well as to preserve the honour and integrity of the royal stool,” the statement said.
It further noted that Oba Oloyede’s conduct, as established by the US court where he reportedly pleaded guilty, had brought the traditional institution into disrepute.
“The fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede, as found by the US court, and his public trial and conviction have brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu to disrepute and public odium, hence the resort to deposition,” it added.
Oba Oloyede was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to 56 months in prison for wire fraud, filing false tax returns, and engaging in financial transactions involving illicit proceeds.
The governor’s office confirmed that the Apetumodu stool has now been declared vacant, with processes to appoint a new traditional ruler to commence in due course.
Adeleke also appealed to residents of Ipetumodu to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as succession arrangements begin.
