Osun Govt Dethrones Apetu of Ipetumodu After US COVID Fraud Conviction

Osun Govt Dethrones Apetu of Ipetumodu After US COVID Fraud Conviction

The Osun State Government has officially deposed Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area following his conviction in the United States over offences linked to COVID-19 relief fraud, wire fraud, false tax filings, and money laundering.

Governor Ademola Adeleke approved the removal after the state government received the Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by a United States District Court in Ohio, confirming the monarch’s conviction and sentencing.

Oba Oloyede, a Nigerian-American citizen, was arrested in May 2024 while visiting the United States in connection with investigations into alleged fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds. He was later prosecuted for allegedly using multiple business entities to fraudulently access federal pandemic relief programmes.

In August 2025, U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko sentenced him to 56 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and filing false tax returns. He was also ordered to forfeit millions of dollars traced to the proceeds of the scheme and pay restitution.

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According to a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to formally obtain the court judgment directly from the U.S. authorities, rather than rely on media reports.

The government said the decision was necessary to ensure due process and confirm the authenticity of the conviction before taking action on the traditional stool.

Governor Adeleke, in the official deposition order signed on May 7, 2026, stated that the monarch’s conviction had brought the stool of Apetu of Ipetumodu and the broader traditional institution in Osun State into disrepute.

He added that the action was taken in the interest of preserving public trust, peace, and good governance within the community.

“With this deposition, the stool of Apetu of Ipetumodu is now declared vacant.

“Necessary processes will be initiated in due course to select and install a new Apetu in accordance with the relevant laws and customs,” the statement read.

The government also urged residents of Ipetumodu and indigenes of the town to remain calm and cooperate with authorities during the transition process for the selection of a new monarch.

Officials said the move underscores Osun State’s strict stance on accountability and the expectation that traditional rulers must uphold high moral standards befitting their offices.

The development has drawn attention to the increasing scrutiny of public and traditional office holders in Nigeria who face legal challenges abroad, particularly in cases involving financial crimes and abuse of international relief programmes.

Osun Govt Dethrones Apetu of Ipetumodu After US COVID Fraud Conviction