By SCM Staff Writer
OSOGBO – The Osun State Government has announced the immediate dethronement of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, following his criminal conviction and sentencing in the United States.
The decision, which affects the traditional leadership of Ife North Local Government Area, was formalized after an intensive legal review and approval by the State Executive Council.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that Governor Adebayo Adeleke acted in accordance with the Osun State Chiefs Law, as amended.
”The action was taken following due consultation and adheres to the legal provisions guiding traditional institutions within our state,” the statement read.
The state government further directed the immediate withdrawal of the Staff of Office and all instruments of authority previously issued to Oloyede. Consequently, the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has been declared vacant.
The downfall of the embattled monarch stems from a high-profile federal case in the United States. Oloyede, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, was sentenced by U.S.
District Judge Christopher A. Boyko on August 26, 2025, to four years in federal prison.
Investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio revealed that Oloyede spearheaded a conspiracy to defraud COVID-19 emergency loan programs.
These funds were originally earmarked by the American government to support small businesses struggling during the pandemic.
The financial implications of the monarch’s criminal activities are significant:
Restitution: Ordered to pay $4,408,543.38.
Asset Forfeiture: His home in Medina, Ohio—purchased with the proceeds of the fraud—has been forfeited.
Cash Seizure: An additional $96,006.89 traced directly to the scheme was confiscated by U.S. authorities.
Upon completion of his 48-month prison term, the deposed royal father is expected to serve three years of supervised release.
Local sources in Ipetumodu suggest that the community is currently in a state of shock, as the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs begins the process of coordinating with the kingmakers for a future succession plan.
