The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has removed Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu following his conviction for financial crimes in the United States.
The decision was announced yesterday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, after the state government received a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment delivered by a court in Ohio.
The action followed a structured process initiated by the Osun State Executive Council.
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Rather than relying on media reports, the Council directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally obtain court records from the United States to ensure any decision taken was backed by verified judicial evidence.
Adeleke said the move was necessary to uphold due process and protect the integrity of traditional institutions across the state.
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Conviction
Court documents confirmed that Oba Joseph Oloyede was sentenced on 26 August 2025 by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to multiple financial offences, including wire fraud, filing false tax returns, and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminal proceeds.
He was subsequently sentenced to 56 months in prison.
According to the governor, the conviction, coupled with its public nature, brought the traditional stool into “disrepute and public odium,” making its continued occupancy untenable.
Vacancy
In a formal Deposition Order dated 7 May 2026, Adeleke stated that the removal was necessary to preserve the honour and integrity of the Apetumodu stool, as well as to ensure peace, order, and good governance.
READ ALSO: Adeleke urges vigilance at Osun borders amid banditry concerns
Following the directive, the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North has now been declared vacant.
He confirmed that formal procedures for selecting a new traditional ruler would commence at the appropriate time, in line with established customs and legal frameworks.
Adeleke also urged residents of Ipetumodu and the wider community to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of a peaceful transition process as leadership arrangements are put in motion.
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The governor reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the dignity of traditional institutions across Osogbo and the state at large.
