Osun Governor Deposes Monarch Convicted of Fraud

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially deposed Oba Joseph Oloyed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu after the monarch was convicted in the United States for tax fraud and money laundering. The conviction, which resulted in a 56-month prison sentence, was confirmed by a certified true copy of the Ohio court judgment.

Governor Adeleke's action, announced by his spokesperson Olawal Rashe, was based on a resolution from the State Executive Council and was not solely reliant on social media reports. The governor emphasized the need to maintain peace, order, and the integrity of the royal stool, declaring it vacant and initiating processes to appoint a new Oba.

The court found Apetumodu guilty of wire fraud and making false tax returns, which brought disrepute to the obaship stool. The governor's decision was made on May 7, 2026, and he appealed for peace from the former monarch's family during the transition.