Gôvernor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State 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 over fraud-related offences.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the traditional ruler was removed from office after being convicted by a United States court on charges bordering on tax fraud and money laundering.
Rasheed explained that the state government acted after receiving the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by a court in Ohio, United States.
He said the State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally obtain the court judgment from the Ohio court before any official action could be taken.
According to him, the council maintained that decisions of government should not rely solely on reports circulating on social media without proper legal documentation.
Rasheed stated that the Deposition Order signed by Gov. Adeleke on May 7 was aimed at preserving peace, public order and good governance in the state.
He added that the action was also necessary to protect the integrity, honour and reputation of the traditional institution and the royal stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu.
“The order cited the fraudulent conduct of Oba Oloyede as established by the United States court,” the statement said.
Rasheed further explained that the offences for which the monarch pleaded guilty, alongside the publicity surrounding his trial and conviction, had brought the traditional institution into disrepute.
According to him, the development subjected the revered stool of the Apetumodu to public embarrassment and criticism, thereby necessitating the government’s action.
He disclosed that Oba Oloyede was sentenced on Aug. 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
The spokesperson said the monarch received a 56-month prison sentence for offences involving wire fraud, filing false tax returns and conducting monetary transactions with proceeds derived from criminal activities.
Rasheed added that following the deposition, the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu had officially been declared vacant.
He noted that the process for selecting and appointing a new traditional ruler would commence at the appropriate time in line with laid-down procedures.
The governor appealed to residents and indigenes of Ipetumodu to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding throughout the transition process.
He assured the community that the government would ensure due process and stability during the selection of a new monarch.
