Adeleke Orders Action on Ipetumodu Monarch’s Imprisonment, Princes See Path for Dethronement

Osun State has entered a decisive phase in the controversy surrounding the imprisonment of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, as Governor Ademola Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dosu Babatunde, to take immediate action. The governor’s directive, issued during Friday’s State Executive Council meeting, marks a turning point in the tussle over the embattled monarch’s throne.

Oba Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu, was in August sentenced in the United States to more than four years in prison for COVID-19 loan fraud. Alongside a co-conspirator, he was found guilty by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio and ordered to forfeit assets and pay over $4.4 million in restitution. His conviction sent shockwaves through Ipetumodu, where the community has been engulfed in tension and uncertainty.

The situation became even more critical as questions mounted over whether the throne would remain vacant until the monarch’s release or if the state government would initiate formal dethronement proceedings. With Adeleke’s latest intervention, many traditional rulers, ruling houses, and citizens see a path toward resolving the leadership vacuum.

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Adeleke’s Directive Sparks Action

Confirming the governor’s stance, Commissioner Babatunde disclosed on Sunday that his ministry had already begun working on the matter. In a brief response, he said:
“We are working on the directive of the Governor.”

This development comes after months of waiting, as the state government had earlier stated that it was holding out for the Certified True Copy of the U.S. judgment before making any official pronouncement on the monarch’s fate. Adeleke’s direct instruction now signals a readiness to confront the “ugly development,” as he described it, head-on.

Ruling Houses Applaud Adeleke’s Intervention

The governor’s intervention has been met with enthusiasm from Ipetumodu’s ruling houses, which had long been pressing for decisive action. Princes and other stakeholders argue that Adeleke’s order effectively shuts down attempts by certain factions to preserve the throne for Oba Oloyede until he completes his prison term abroad.

Prince Olaboye Ayoola of the Aribile Ruling House welcomed the move, describing it as a bold demonstration of the governor’s concern for the people and cultural heritage of Ipetumodu.
“We appreciate the governor. His directive to the commissioner is an expression of love for Ipetumodu people and the Oodua race. With that directive, plans by those working behind the scene to retain the stool for Oba Oloyede till he completes his term has collapsed,” Ayoola said.

Similarly, Prince Funsho Adeniji of the Fagbemokun Ruling House lauded Adeleke for acting swiftly. According to him, the ruling houses can now begin the process of nominating and presenting credible candidates for the vacant throne.
“Now that he has given directive, Fagbemokun will spring into action and work towards giving Ipetumodu a competent candidate to fill the stool of Apetumodu,” Adeniji stated.

Implications for Ipetumodu and Beyond

The dethronement process, if it proceeds, will be historic for Ipetumodu, a community known for its deep-rooted traditions and cultural pride. Having a monarch convicted and imprisoned in a foreign land has left the town grappling with embarrassment and leadership instability. Adeleke’s action provides a pathway to restore normalcy by initiating the installation of a new Apetumodu.

The situation also raises broader questions about the role of monarchs in contemporary governance and accountability. Traditional rulers, though custodians of culture, are increasingly held to higher standards of integrity, especially when their actions directly impact the reputation of their communities. Oba Oloyede’s case highlights how global issues—such as financial crimes committed abroad—can reverberate at the local level, shaking traditional institutions.

For the Osun State government, handling the matter delicately is crucial. While Adeleke’s directive has brought relief to many in Ipetumodu, the final resolution will require adherence to legal and traditional protocols guiding the appointment of monarchs. By involving the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, the state ensures the process is rooted in law while respecting the customs of the town.

The Road Ahead

As the commissioner’s office takes steps to implement Adeleke’s directive, ruling houses in Ipetumodu are expected to intensify consultations and negotiations over succession. Historically, such transitions have been sensitive, often requiring careful balancing of interests among the eligible ruling families. The Aribile and Fagbemokun houses, already voicing readiness, will likely put forward candidates, setting the stage for another chapter in the town’s royal history.

For residents, the hope is that a new monarch will restore dignity and stability to the throne, reinforcing Ipetumodu’s cultural identity. For the government, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process will be critical to preventing further disputes.

In all, Adeleke’s intervention represents a critical shift in Osun’s approach to the scandal. By moving to address the imprisonment of the Apetumodu, the governor has not only responded to the immediate concerns of Ipetumodu but also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the dignity of traditional institutions across the state.