The Osun State Government has removed Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede from his position as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu right away because he was found guilty of fraud related to COVID-19 in the United States.
Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Alimi said that the State Executive Council had talked about the action, looked over the law, and given their approval.
He said that the move was in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law, as amended, and other rules that govern traditional institutions in the state.
The statement said, “The decision was made after proper consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.”
The state government says that the king had to be removed because he was found guilty of a crime in another country.
The statement went on to say, “Oba Oloyede was found guilty in the United States of crimes related to COVID-19 fraud and is now in prison.”
A US court reportedly sentenced the Apetumodu in 2025.
The government also said that all of the monarch’s tools of power, such as his staff of office, had been taken away.
It also said that the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu’s stool had been declared vacant until the start of the succession process.
Alimi said, “The government will, in due course, outline the process for succession in line with established customary and legal procedures.”
Security forces have been told to keep the peace in the community, and residents, kingmakers, and other interested parties have been told to stay calm and peaceful.
Ipetumodu, the capital of Ife North Local Government Area in Osun State, is expected to start traditional ways of filling the empty stool in accordance with established customs.
