Osun Government Moves to Address Case of Jailed Traditional Ruler, Oba Apetumodu

The Osun State Government has confirmed that it will take appropriate steps regarding the situation of the jailed monarch, Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu.

According to the state authorities, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has been directed to act promptly on the development, which has drawn both local and international attention.

This directive was contained in a statement issued at the end of the Osun State Executive Council meeting, signed by Kola Po Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Saturday.

Background of the Case

LMSINT MEDIA earlier reported that Oba Joseph Oloyede was convicted in the United States for his involvement in a COVID-19 fraud scheme. The U.S. District Judge, Christopher Boyko, sentenced him to serve a term of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and also mandated the payment of $4,408,543.38 in restitution.

According to an official press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025, Oba Oloyede played a leading role in a conspiracy that fraudulently exploited COVID-19 emergency loan programs designed to support struggling businesses during the pandemic (read the full report here).

Osun Government’s Position

Despite the judgment delivered in the U.S., the Osun State Government stated that it must obtain a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before making any conclusive decisions regarding the monarch’s position. This cautious approach, the government explained, is necessary to maintain due process and uphold the rule of law in chieftaincy matters.

Succession Crisis in Ipetumodu

The verdict has triggered a deep succession crisis in Ipetumodu town, where kingmakers have so far declined to declare the stool of Apetumodu vacant. Meanwhile, some princes within the royal lineage have insisted that the state government should immediately decide on whether to replace Oba Oloyede.

Adding to the growing concerns, it was reported that certain royal paraphernalia have gone missing from the private residence of the convicted monarch. Local sources revealed that the absence of these sacred objects could lead to spiritual and cultural setbacks for the community.

The unfolding situation has left residents anxious, as both tradition and governance collide in the effort to resolve the leadership crisis in Ipetumodu.