Osun govt removes monarch over US fraud conviction

The Osun State Government has deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Gbenga Oloyede, following his conviction in the United States for fraud-related offences.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action was taken after consultations, legal review and approval by the State Executive Council.

According to the statement, Oloyede, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the US over COVID-19-related fraud, was removed in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law and other relevant legal provisions guiding traditional institutions.

The government also withdrew his staff of office and instruments of authority, formally declaring the Apetumodu stool vacant.

It added that the process for selecting a new monarch would be communicated in due course, in line with customary and legal procedures.

Security agencies have been directed to maintain peace in the community, while residents, kingmakers and stakeholders were urged to remain calm and law-abiding.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of traditional institutions and ensuring due process in chieftaincy matters.

Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by Christopher A. Boyko to four years’ imprisonment for his role in a scheme that exploited COVID-19 relief programmes meant for struggling businesses.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, he also forfeited a property in Medina, Ohio, linked to the proceeds of the fraud, along with over $96,000 traced to the scheme. He was further ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay more than $4.4 million in restitution.

The development has heightened tensions in Ipetumodu, where opinions remain divided over whether to keep the stool vacant pending his return or proceed with the installation of a new monarch.

Two ruling houses in the town—Aribile and Fagbemokun—along with kingmakers, had earlier called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant and begin the process of appointing a new traditional ruler.

They had also accused the state government of delaying action following Oloyede’s conviction.