By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Osun State Government has deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, and declared the traditional stool vacant following his conviction in the United States.
The decision, announced on Tuesday, effectively strips the monarch of all rights and privileges attached to the throne, with authorities stating that the action takes immediate effect.
Oloyede, who ascended the throne in 2019, was convicted by a U.S. court over his involvement in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. He was sentenced to a prison term after pleading guilty to charges linked to conspiracy and financial misconduct.
The state government said the removal was in line with legal and administrative procedures governing traditional institutions, stressing that the vacancy of the stool would allow due process for the selection of a new monarch.
The Apetumodu stool is a prominent traditional institution in Ipetumodu, a town in Ife North Local Government Area, and the monarch traditionally holds a significant position within the state’s council of chiefs.
The development is expected to trigger succession processes among the ruling houses in the community, as stakeholders begin consultations for the emergence of a new Apetumodu.
