Osun State government has said that Oba Gbenga Oloyede has not been deposed as Apetu of Ipetumodu as being reported in certain section of the media.
Olufemi Ogundun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said reports that the monarch had been deposed were fake.
Ipetumodu is in Ife North Local Government Council Area of Osun State.
Oloyede, the embattled Apetu of Ipetumodu is a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States
He was sentenced by a U.S. District Judge, Christopher A. Boyko to four years in prison on August 26, 2025.
He was convicted of leading a conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programmes intended to support struggling small businesses.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the traditional ruler forfeited his Medina, Ohio, home, purchased with proceeds of the scheme, and an additional $96,006.89 traced to fraud.
He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution.
Two ruling houses in Ipetumodu and the kingmakers in the town had asked Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant and initiate the process for the appointment of a new Apetumodu.
However, the statement by Ogundun, noted that at the appropriate time, the general public and indigenes of Ipetumodu will be informed of the action of the government on the issue.
“The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to a fake press release in circulation on the purported deposition of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu.
“The press release did not emanate from the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and members of the general public and particularly indigenes of Ipetumodu are advised to disregard the fake viral story.
“The State Government has had useful and meaningful consultation and dialogue with stakeholders of Ipetumodu and steps are being taken in line with the rule of law which is the cornerstone of the present administration in the State.
“At the appropriate time, the general public and indigenes of Ipetumodu will be informed of the action of Government on the issue through the appropriate channels of communication,” the statement read.
Source – Osun Defender
(vitalnewsngr.com)
