BREAKING: Osun Kingmakers Reject Move to Dethrone Oba Joseph Oloyede After U.S. Fraud Conviction
Ile-Ife, Osun State – September 11, 2025
The Kingmakers of Ipetumodu in Osun State have formally opposed growing calls to dethrone Oba Joseph Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, following his recent conviction and sentencing in the United States for alleged COVID-19 loan fraud.
The traditional ruler was earlier reported to have been sentenced to a brief jail term in the U.S. after being found guilty of misrepresenting business information to access COVID-19 relief funds at the height of the pandemic. The case has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria and the diaspora, with many questioning the moral and legal implications for a sitting monarch.
However, in a swift reaction, the Ipetumodu Council of Kingmakers has dismissed attempts by certain individuals and interest groups to initiate the Oba’s removal from the throne, describing the calls as “politically motivated” and “disrespectful to the customs of the land.”
“Our Tradition Is Not Guided by Foreign Courts” – Kingmakers
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the kingmakers, High Chief Rafiu Adewale, insisted that the matter had been blown out of proportion and stressed that traditional authority in Ipetumodu cannot be determined by foreign legal systems.
“We are aware of the incident abroad involving our Kabiyesi. However, we will not allow external forces—especially those with no knowledge of our tradition and culture—to dictate who should sit on the ancestral throne of our forefathers,” he said.
Chief Adewale added that the Council is not in receipt of any formal petition or directive from the Osun State Government or any competent traditional authority requesting a review of the monarch’s position.
Community Divided Over Oba’s Future
The controversy has divided opinion within Ipetumodu and surrounding communities. While a section of the youth and civil society groups have called for the Oba’s removal to protect the image of the town and the integrity of the traditional institution, others argue that the king’s overseas legal issues should not override his contributions to local development and cultural preservation.
A local youth leader, Adebayo Ajibola, said:
“It’s not a good look for our town, but we must follow due process. If the law in Nigeria hasn’t found him guilty, we shouldn’t rush to dethrone him.”
In contrast, some traditional observers warn that inaction could set a dangerous precedent for royal accountability.
State Government Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government has not made any official statement regarding the monarch’s status. However, sources within the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs confirm that the matter is being reviewed with caution, given its sensitive cultural and legal dimensions.
Legal experts say the dethronement of a monarch in Nigeria typically requires a formal investigation, recommendations from traditional councils, and state executive approval, often culminating in a white paper or gazette.
Who Is Oba Joseph Oloyede?
Oba Joseph Oloyede, installed as the 27th Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in 2016, is a respected academic and community leader. Prior to ascending the throne, he had lived and worked in the United States for several years. His reign has been marked by peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment initiatives, and cultural revitalization efforts in the Ipetumodu area.
The recent developments have cast a shadow over his legacy, but supporters insist that one legal misstep abroad should not erase nearly a decade of committed service to his people.
What Happens Next?
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the issue escalates into a full-blown constitutional and traditional crisis, or whether the dust settles with the monarch maintaining his seat. For now, the Ipetumodu Kingmakers have made their position clear: the throne is not vacant, and Oba Oloyede remains the Apetumodu—at least for now.
The situation remains fluid, and updates will follow as more details emerge.
