Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially announced the dethronement of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, after the traditional ruler was convicted in the United States for fraud involving Covid-19 relief funds. The removal was disclosed in a statement issued by Olawale Rasheed, the governor's media aide, on Monday, May 11.
Background of the Conviction
Oba Oloyede was sentenced to four years in prison in the United States in August 2025. He was found guilty of orchestrating a scheme that fraudulently obtained over $4.2 million from federal loan and grant programs designed to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio confirmed that the 62-year-old monarch holds dual Nigerian and U.S. citizenship and resided in Medina, Ohio.
Legal Proceedings
U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko handed down a 56-month sentence on August 26, 2025, after Oloyede pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property, and filing false tax returns. The charges were brought against him in April 2025.
Governor's Decision
Governor Adeleke explained that the dethronement followed the receipt of a Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgment. The Osun State Executive Council had formally requested the document from the Ohio court in 2025 through the Ministry of Local Government. Adeleke emphasized that the government's decision was based on official records, not mere social media reports.
The deposition order, signed by the governor on May 7, cited the need to maintain peace, good governance, and the integrity of the traditional institution. The statement read: "The fraudulent conduct of Oba Joseph Oloyede, as found by the US court and which he pleaded guilty to, and his public trial and conviction have brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu to disrepute and public odium, hence the resort to deposition."
Impact and Reactions
The removal of Oba Oloyede has sparked discussions on the accountability of traditional rulers in Nigeria. The governor's action underscores the government's commitment to upholding the sanctity of traditional institutions and ensuring that those who hold such positions adhere to high ethical standards. The case also highlights the international reach of justice, as crimes committed abroad have consequences for local traditional titles.
