By Ayodele Oni
Due to his conviction in the United States of America, the Osun State Government has removed Gbenga Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area. The Government has, also, formally declared the traditional stool vacant with immediate effect.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed due consultations, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.
According to the government, Oloyede’s removal was based on provisions of the Osun State Chiefs Law and other applicable regulations guiding traditional institutions.
The monarch was recently convicted in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud and is currently serving a prison sentence.
The Government, also, confirmed the withdrawal of his staff of office and all instruments of authority, officially ending his reign and creating a vacancy for the Apetumodu stool.
The government said steps toward selecting a new Monarch would be announced in line with legal and customary procedures.
Security agencies have been directed to maintain peace in the community, while residents, kingmakers, and ruling houses were urged to remain calm and law-abiding during the transition.
The state reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of traditional institutions and ensuring due process in chieftaincy matters.
Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced in August 2025 to four years in prison for orchestrating a scheme that exploited COVID-19 relief funds meant for small businesses.
Prosecutors said the fraud led to the forfeiture of assets, including a property in Medina, Ohio, and additional funds traced to the scheme, alongside restitution running into millions of dollars.
The development has heightened tensions in Ipetumodu, where divisions had emerged over whether to await the former monarch’s return or appoint a successor.
Two ruling houses and kingmakers had earlier called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant and begin the selection process for a new traditional ruler.
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