JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has officially removed Oba Joseph Oloyede as Apetumodu of Ipetumodu following the sentence imposed on the monarch in the United States of America for fraud related offences.
The Osun State Government said the action was taken after receiving the Original Copy of Judgment delivered by an Ohio court in the United States, in which the traditional ruler was found guilty of charges bordering on tax fraud and money laundering.
In a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government explained that the decision was based on an earlier resolution of the State Executive Council.
According to the statement, the board decided “last year that the Department of Local Government should write to Ohio courts requesting an Original Copy of the Decision as a basis for government action.”
The statement further noted, “The board has justified its decision to contact the Ohio courts on the grounds that the administration’s decision should not be based on social media reporting alone.”
Rasheed revealed that Governor Adeleke signed the official deposition order on May 7, 2026, stressing that the move was necessary to safeguard the integrity of traditional institutions and maintain public order.
Also read: Warri Ijaw protesters storm INEC headquarters, demanding enforcement of Supreme Court demarcation order
“In the Deposition Order signed by His Majesty on May 7, 2026, the action is based on the need to maintain peace, order and good governance as well as safeguard the honor and integrity of the royal palace.
“The Deposition Order further states that the fraudulent actions of Oba Joseph Oloyede, as found by the US courts and his pleading guilty, as well as his public trial and sentence have brought the institution of the Obaship and the position of Apetumodu in Ipetumodu into public disrepute and ridicule, hence the deposition.”
The monarch was previously sentenced to 56 months in prison by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025 after being found guilty of wire fraud, filing false tax returns, and conducting monetary transactions involving criminally obtained funds.
The governor’s spokesperson added that the royal seat has now been declared vacant pending the start of procedures for selecting a new traditional ruler.
“With this statement, the position of Apetumodu Ipetumodu is declared vacant, while the necessary processes will be carried out to appoint a new Apetumodu Ipetumodu at the appropriate time.”
He also appealed to residents and indigenous communities in the city to remain calm during the transition process.
“The governor appealed to the sons and daughters of Ipetumodu to remain peaceful and law-abiding while the process of inaugurating the new king is being processed,” said Rasheed.
