By John Umeh
The Osun State Government has waded into the leadership crisis rocking Ipetumodu town following the conviction of its traditional ruler, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, while presiding over the State Executive Council meeting on Friday, directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to take immediate steps to address the situation. The order comes amid mounting pressure from sections of the Ipetumodu community, with some indigenes demanding that the monarch’s stool be declared vacant and a replacement appointed without delay.
According to a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke described the monarch’s imprisonment as “an unfortunate and embarrassing development that calls for urgent government intervention.”
Background of the Case
The Apetu of Ipetumodu’s troubles began in the United States, where he was arrested and later prosecuted for involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. According to U.S. court documents, Oba Oloyede was found guilty of conspiring with others to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programs intended to provide relief for struggling small businesses.
On August 26, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced that Judge Christopher A. Boyko had sentenced the monarch to a prison term, three years of supervised release, and restitution totaling $4.4 million. The case, which attracted widespread media attention both in the U.S. and Nigeria, has since cast a shadow over the monarch’s throne.
The conviction has left the people of Ipetumodu divided. While some members of the royal family and influential natives are pushing for immediate steps to fill the stool, others insist that the monarch’s title should not be tampered with until he has fully served his sentence and returned to Nigeria.
Tension in Ipetumodu
Since news of the judgment broke, the atmosphere in Ipetumodu has been tense. Townspeople have held several meetings, debating the moral and cultural implications of having a convicted monarch. Many elders worry that the situation could erode the dignity of the traditional stool if it is not quickly addressed.
Some princes have openly called on the Osun State Government to declare the seat vacant, stressing that the prestige of the Apetu’s throne should not be dragged into disrepute. According to them, the integrity of the town is at stake.
However, a group of kingmakers have resisted these calls, cautioning against hasty decisions. They argue that the monarch is still alive and remains, technically, the holder of the title unless the government formally deposes him. This disagreement has further deepened the division within the town, raising concerns about possible unrest if the issue lingers unresolved.
Government’s Response
Governor Adeleke’s directive marks the first major step by the state government to manage the crisis. While the details of the action to be taken remain undisclosed, the move signals that the government is prepared to exercise its constitutional powers in chieftaincy matters to prevent a vacuum or prolonged dispute.
“The situation is disturbing and requires immediate and decisive steps,” Information Commissioner Kolapo Alimi said in the statement. “The governor has directed the relevant ministry to act in accordance with the law to protect the integrity of our traditional institutions.”
Analysts say Adeleke’s intervention will likely shape the political and cultural dynamics in Ipetumodu for years to come. Any decision to depose or replace Oba Oloyede could trigger further controversy, especially among factions loyal to him. Conversely, leaving the throne occupied by a jailed monarch could undermine public confidence in traditional leadership.
Looking Ahead
The case raises broader questions about the accountability of traditional rulers, especially in a globalized world where their actions abroad can directly affect their standing at home. It also underscores the delicate balance state governments must maintain between respecting cultural heritage and enforcing legal standards.
For now, all eyes remain on Osogbo, where the Adeleke administration is expected to announce its decision in the coming weeks. The people of Ipetumodu wait anxiously, torn between loyalty to their embattled ruler and the need to protect the sanctity of their revered stool.
One thing is clear: the outcome of this case will set a precedent not only for Ipetumodu but for the entire state, shaping how Osun handles similar crises in the future.
