By Erewunmi Peace

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially deposed the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction in the United States over COVID-19 relief funds fraud.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, noting that the decision was taken after the state government received details of the monarch’s conviction and sentencing abroad.

Reports indicate that Oba Oloyede was sentenced by a United States court to 56 months in prison for offences related to fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds.

Following the conviction, the Osun State Government announced the immediate deposition of the monarch and declared the stool of the Apetu of Ipetumodu vacant.

According to the government, the decision was taken in line with the need to uphold the integrity of traditional institutions and maintain public trust in the leadership of cultural and traditional structures in the state.

The matter has continued to generate reactions across the state, with attention now focused on the process for selecting a new traditional ruler for the community.

Further updates are expected as the Osun State Government moves to begin succession procedures for the vacant stool.