Osun Governor Deposes Monarch Convicted of Fraud

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has officially deposed Oba Joseph Oloyed Apetumodu, the traditional ruler of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area. This decision follows Oba Apetumodu's conviction in the United States for tax fraud and money laundering, resulting in a 56-month prison sentence handed down by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on August 26, 2025.

The governor's spokesperson, Malam Olawal Rashe, stated that the decision was made to maintain peace, order, and good governance, as well as to preserve the honor and integrity of the royal stool. The action was based on a certified true copy of the court judgment obtained from Ohio, and the state executive council had previously directed the Ministry of Local Government to pursue this matter.

Oba Apetumodu's guilty plea and subsequent conviction have brought disrepute to the obaship stool, necessitating this deposition.