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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Aribile and Fagbemokun Ruling Houses of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government of Osun State have appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant following the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede by the United States Federal Court.
Oba Oloyede was convicted and sentenced on 26–27 August 2025, by a United States Federal Court (Northern District of Ohio) to a custodial term of 56 months (over four years) following his guilty plea to serious offences arising from a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
The two ruling houses in a statement by five representatives from each of the houses, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, urged the governor to approve the deposition of Oba Oloyede as Apetumodu of Ipetumodu pursuant to the Chiefs Law of Osun State and native law and custom, on the ground of criminal conviction for offences of moral turpitude that have gravely tarnished the office.
They urged the governor to declare the Apetumodu Stool vacant with immediate effect, and formally notify the Ife North Local Government and the Ipetumodu Chiefs in accordance with the governing Apetumodu Chieftaincy Declaration and the Chiefs Law.
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They urged the governor to direct the Ministry of Justice to lodge and domesticate the certified U.S. judgment (and/or authenticated records) with the appropriate Nigerian registry to complete the administrative record in support of deposition, consistent with Osun State’s earlier stated intention.
“We stand ready to cooperate fully with the Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Ife North Local Government, to ensure a credible process that restores honour to the throne and confidence to our people.
“However, our community cannot afford to remain without a rightful and active traditional leader. The stool has remained under suspension for over three years (3 years) due to the prolonged absence of the Oba, during which our age-long customs and traditions have suffered greatly,” they pleaded.
