Osun monarch removed after US fraud conviction
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has removed Oba Joseph Oloyede from his position as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu. The move follows Oloyede’s conviction in the United States for tax fraud and money laundering. The state government based its decision on the official court judgment received from Ohio. The stool of Apetumodu is now vacant, and steps are being taken to appoint a new monarch.
What we know
- Ademola Adeleke approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede after receiving the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgment.
- The State Executive Council had previously resolved that the Ministry of Local Government should request the judgment from the Ohio court.
- In the Deposition Order signed by His Excellency on 7th May, 2026, the government cited the need to maintain peace and uphold the integrity of the royal stool.
- Oba Joseph Oloyede was sentenced to 56 months’ imprisonment by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025.
- The stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has been declared vacant, and the process to appoint a new monarch will begin.
