Osun Deposes Convicted Monarch, Declares Ipetumodu Stool Vacant
A decisive move by the Osun State Government has brought an abrupt end to the reign of Oba Gbenga Oloyede, following his conviction in the United States over a COVID-19 fraud scheme, with authorities citing legal and institutional grounds for his removal.
The announcement, made on Monday by Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that the State Executive Council approved the deposition after consultations and a legal review. According to the statement, the action aligns with provisions of the Osun State Chiefs Law and other governing frameworks regulating traditional institutions.
“Oba Oloyede… was removed in line with state laws governing traditional institutions,” the statement noted, referencing his ongoing prison sentence in the United States.
The government also withdrew the staff of office and all instruments of authority earlier conferred on the monarch, formally declaring the Apetumodu stool in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area, vacant. It added that steps for succession would be communicated in line with customary and statutory procedures.
The decision follows mounting tension in the community since Oloyede’s conviction. Divisions had emerged among stakeholders, with some advocating that the stool remain vacant pending his return, while others pushed for immediate succession.
Representatives of the Aribile and Fagbemokun ruling houses, alongside kingmakers, had earlier urged Ademola Adeleke to formally declare the stool vacant and begin the selection process for a new monarch. At a press conference, they accused the government of delaying action after the conviction.
Official records from the United States show that Oloyede, a dual citizen, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by Christopher A. Boyko to four years in prison. The ruling followed his conviction for leading a conspiracy that exploited COVID-19 emergency loan programmes intended for struggling small businesses.
Prosecutors stated that the scheme involved fraudulent claims, with proceeds traced to assets including a residence in Medina, Ohio. Court orders required the forfeiture of the property and an additional $96,006.89 linked to the fraud. Oloyede was also directed to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution amounting to $4,408,543.38.
In its statement, the Osun government emphasised the need to uphold the integrity of traditional institutions, noting that due process guided its decision. Security agencies have been instructed to maintain order in Ipetumodu, while residents and stakeholders were urged to remain calm.
The development places renewed focus on how legal infractions outside Nigeria intersect with customary authority at home, particularly in cases involving traditional rulers with dual citizenship and international exposure.