Osun sacks US-convicted monarch, declares stool vacant

In a decisive move, the Osun State Government has officially deposed Oba Gbenga Oloyede, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, following his conviction and sentencing in the United States for a significant COVID-19 fraud scheme. The State Executive Council, after thorough consultations and legal review, approved the removal, citing adherence to state laws governing traditional institutions. This action underscores the government's commitment to upholding the integrity of traditional leadership and ensuring that those convicted of serious crimes are held accountable, regardless of their traditional status.

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Oba Oloyede, who was recently convicted in the United States for COVID-19-related fraud and is currently serving a prison sentence, was removed in line with state laws governing traditional institutions.

The deposition involves the immediate withdrawal of Oba Oloyede's staff of office and instruments of authority, formally declaring the stool vacant. The government has assured that appropriate steps for succession will be communicated in due course, following customary and legal frameworks. Security agencies have been tasked with maintaining peace and order in Ipetumodu, while residents, kingmakers, and ruling houses are urged to remain calm and law-abiding during this transition.

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The government will, in due course, communicate the appropriate steps regarding succession in line with customary and legal frameworks.

Oba Oloyede, who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced to four years in prison by a U.S. District Court on August 26, 2025. He was found guilty of orchestrating a conspiracy to defraud COVID-19 emergency loan programs designed to aid struggling small businesses. The conviction also resulted in the forfeiture of his home in Medina, Ohio, purchased with illicit proceeds, and an additional $96,006.89 traced to the fraud. Furthermore, he was ordered to pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release.

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

The situation in Ipetumodu had been tense, with divisions among factions regarding the future of the stool. Representatives from the Aribile and Fagbemokun ruling houses, along with local kingmakers, had previously called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant and initiate the process for appointing a new monarch, expressing concern over the perceived delay by the state government after the monarch's conviction.

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He was convicted of leading a conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programmes intended to support struggling small businesses.