The Governor of Ademola Adeleke has officially removed Joseph Oloyede as the Apetu of Ipetumodu following his conviction in the United States over COVID-19 relief fund fraud.
This was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
According to the statement, the decision followed Oloyede’s criminal conviction abroad, which led to his removal from the throne.
Reports show that in August 2025, Oloyede was sentenced to 56 months in prison in the United States after being found guilty of involvement in fraud connected to COVID-19 relief funds.
He was accused of participating in a scheme that allegedly stole about $4.2 million meant for pandemic support programmes.
The Osun State government said the removal was necessary following the development, as the traditional institution must maintain integrity and respect for the law.
Oloyede’s conviction and sentencing in the US marked the final stage of the legal case that led to his dethronement as the Apetu of Ipetumodu.