Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede has been removed as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu by the Osun State Government right away. They say this is because he was found guilty in the United States of fraud related to COVID-19.
Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Alimi said that the State Executive Council approved the action after talking about it, looking over the law, and getting permission.
He said that the move was in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law, as amended, and other rules that govern traditional institutions in the state.
The statement said, “The decision was made after proper consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.”
The state government says that the king had to be removed because he was found guilty of a crime in another country.
The statement went on to say, “Oba Oloyede was found guilty of crimes related to COVID-19 fraud in the United States and is now serving time in prison.”
A US court reportedly sentenced the Apetumodu in 2025.
The government also said that all of the monarch’s tools of power, such as his staff of office, had been taken away.
It also said that the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu’s stool had been declared vacant until the succession process began.
Alimi said, “The government will, in due time, explain how succession will work according to established legal and customary procedures.”
Law enforcement has been told to keep the peace in the community, and residents, kingmakers, and other interested parties have been told to stay calm and peaceful.
Ipetumodu, the capital of Ife North Local Government Area in Osun State, is expected to start traditional processes to fill the empty stool, as is customary.
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