Osun State Governor Adedamola Adeleke has officially dethroned Oba Joseph Oloyede following the monarch’s conviction and imprisonment in the United States over COVID-19 relief fraud, money laundering, and tax-related offences.

The decision, which has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. According to the Osun State Government, the deposition followed the receipt of a Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by a court in Ohio, United States.

The development marks one of the most controversial royal removals in recent Nigerian history and has reignited conversations around accountability, integrity, and the image of traditional institutions.

Why Governor Adeleke Removed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu

According to the Osun State Government, the deposition order signed by Governor Adedamola Adeleke on May 7, 2026, was necessary to preserve the integrity and honour of the royal stool.

The government stated that the monarch’s public trial, guilty plea, and conviction in the United States brought the traditional institution into disrepute.

Officials explained that the Osun State Executive Council had earlier directed the Ministry of Local Government to formally obtain the Certified True Copy of the US court judgment before taking action.

The government stressed that such a sensitive decision could not rely solely on social media reports or unverified online information.

What Was Oba Joseph Oloyede Convicted For?

Oba Joseph Oloyede, who reportedly holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, was arrested in the United States in May 2024 over allegations linked to fraudulent COVID-19 support claims.

He was later convicted by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

According to the judgment referenced by the Osun State Government, the monarch pleaded guilty to offences including wire fraud, making false tax returns, and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived funds.

He was subsequently sentenced by US District Judge Christopher Boyko to 56 months imprisonment on August 26, 2025.

The case attracted international attention due to the monarch’s status as a traditional ruler in Nigeria.

Osun Government Declares Royal Stool Vacant

Following the deposition, the Osun State Government confirmed that the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area has now been declared vacant.

Authorities said the necessary traditional and legal processes for selecting a new monarch would begin at the appropriate time.

The government also appealed to residents and indigenes of Ipetumodu to remain peaceful throughout the transition period.

Officials emphasised that maintaining stability within the community remains a top priority.

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Reactions Trail Adeleke’s Decision

The removal of Oba Joseph Oloyede has generated intense debate across social media and political circles.

While some Nigerians praised Governor Adedamola Adeleke for taking decisive action to protect the integrity of traditional institutions, others described the incident as embarrassing for the Nigerian monarchy system.

Observers noted that the case reflects increasing public scrutiny on traditional rulers, especially in an era where legal proceedings and criminal investigations easily gain global attention.

Political analysts also believe the decision sends a strong message about accountability regardless of status or title.

Traditional Institutions Under Public Scrutiny

The incident has once again placed Nigeria’s traditional institutions under public focus, especially regarding ethical conduct and public trust.

Royal fathers are widely regarded as custodians of culture, peace, and moral authority within their communities.

As a result, criminal convictions involving monarchs often trigger national conversations about leadership standards and the responsibilities attached to traditional titles.

Analysts say the Osun government’s action may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly when criminal convictions occur outside Nigeria.

Adeleke Says Government Must Protect Integrity of Royal Stools

The Osun State Government maintained that the deposition was carried out in line with the responsibility to preserve public confidence in traditional leadership.

According to the statement, allowing a convicted monarch to continue occupying the throne could damage the image of the institution and undermine public trust.

The government reiterated its commitment to lawful procedures and due process throughout the investigation and eventual deposition process.

For many residents of Ipetumodu, attention is now shifting toward who will emerge as the next Apetumodu after the completion of the selection process.

FAQ

Why did Governor Adeleke dethrone the Osun monarch?

Governor Adedamola Adeleke dethroned Oba Joseph Oloyede after the monarch was convicted in the United States for fraud, money laundering, and tax-related offences.

Who is Oba Joseph Oloyede?

Oba Joseph Oloyede was the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State before his deposition.

What crimes was Oba Joseph Oloyede convicted of?

The former monarch was convicted of wire fraud, making false tax returns, and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property.

Was the Osun monarch sentenced to prison in the US?

Yes. He was sentenced to 56 months imprisonment by a United States District Court in Ohio.

What was the COVID-19 fraud case about?

The case involved fraudulent claims connected to COVID-19 support funds in the United States.

Did Oba Joseph Oloyede plead guilty?

Yes. According to the Osun State Government, the monarch pleaded guilty to the offences during the court proceedings.

Has the Apetumodu royal stool been declared vacant?

Yes. The Osun State Government confirmed that the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has officially been declared vacant.

Will a new king be appointed in Ipetumodu?

Yes. The Osun State Government said necessary procedures would begin to appoint a new Apetumodu.

What did Adeleke say about the deposition?

The government said the action was necessary to preserve the honour, integrity, and reputation of the traditional institution.

When was Oba Oloyede convicted?

He was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Why is the case attracting national attention?

The case is attracting attention because it involves a serving Nigerian monarch convicted abroad for financial crimes linked to COVID-19 relief fraud.

Can a traditional ruler be removed for criminal conviction in Nigeria?

Yes. State governments can depose traditional rulers under certain legal and administrative conditions, especially when public conduct brings the institution into disrepute.