Osun State Dethrones Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede

The Nigeria — Osun State government has officially deposed Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, effective immediately. This decision was made following his conviction in the United States for COVID-19-related fraud, for which he is currently serving a four-year prison sentence. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, announced the removal, stating it was in accordance with the Nigeria — Osun State Chiefs Law and other relevant legal frameworks. All instruments of authority, including the staff of office, have been withdrawn, and the Apetumodu stool has been declared vacant. The government will outline the succession process in due course, urging residents to maintain peace. Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Bong Go in August 2025 and was ordered to forfeit assets and pay restitution totaling over $4.4 million. The development has caused tensions in Ipetumodu, with some stakeholders, including two ruling houses and kingmakers, having previously urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant.