The Osun State Government has approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu following his conviction in the United States of America over tax fraud and money laundering offences.
The decision came after the state received the Certified True Copy of the Ohio court judgment which found the monarch guilty.
to a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the State Executive Council had earlier resolved that the Ministry of Local Government should formally request the court document from Ohio to guide government action.
The statement noted that the council insisted that “governmental decisions should not be based on social media reporting alone.”
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Explaining the governor’s action, the statement added that the Deposition Order signed on May 7, 2026, was taken to uphold peace, order, and good governance, as well as protect the integrity of the traditional institution.
It further stated that Oba Joseph Oloyede’s criminal conduct, as established by the US court where he pleaded guilty, along with his conviction and public trial, had brought the Apetumodu stool into disrepute.
It was also recalled that the monarch was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to 56 months in prison for wire fraud, filing false tax returns, and engaging in financial transactions involving illicit proceeds.
The statement added that, “By this deposition, the stool of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has been declared vacant, while the necessary process will be put in place to appoint a new Apetumodu of Ipetumodu at the appropriate time.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke also urged residents of Ipetumodu to remain calm and law-abiding as arrangements begin for the selection of a new traditional ruler.