Oba Joseph Oloyede: Chaos in Ipetumodu as Princes disagree over Apetumodu throne after Monarch’s Conviction

A meeting of princes in Ipetumodu, Osun State, ended in tension on Tuesday after disagreements erupted over the fate of the town’s throne following the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the 27th Oba of Apetumodu, in the United States.

The gathering, which took place at the palace and was led by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, began smoothly around 4 p.m. but descended into chaos when a faction of princes demanded that the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, be formally notified to declare the stool vacant.

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Adedeji reportedly refused the request, insisting that he would not spearhead such a move. His stance angered some attendees, leading to a shouting match that forced the meeting to break up by 6 p.m.

Princes React

Speaking after the meeting, Prince Olaboye Ayoola of the Aribile Ruling House expressed frustration over the outcome.

“We had agreed to elect two new kingmakers to replace the deceased ones and forward a letter to the governor declaring the throne vacant. But Chief Adedeji rejected the idea and even announced he was no longer interested in being a kingmaker. That decision threw the entire meeting into disarray,” Ayoola said.

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When contacted, Chief Adedeji stood by his refusal, saying: “It is true. Peace must come first before any step is taken.”

Monarch’s Conviction Sparks Succession Dispute

Oba Oloyede was sentenced to over four years in prison in the U.S. last month for COVID-19 loan fraud, with a restitution order of more than $4.4 million and forfeiture of assets.

His conviction has triggered a succession crisis in Ipetumodu. The two ruling houses, Aribile and Fagbemokun, are now sharply divided over who should produce the next monarch.

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Some from Aribile argue the throne should remain with them until Oloyede completes his sentence.

Others insist a replacement must be selected from among those who previously contested from their house.

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Princes from Fagbemokun maintain that the stool should rotate to their side, since Aribile produced the embattled monarch.

Government’s Position

The Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, told reporters that the state government would not rush into a decision.

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“The government will first obtain a Certified True Copy of the U.S. judgment before taking any action,” he explained.

Security Presence

Security operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were deployed around the palace during the meeting, maintaining surveillance as tensions rose among the princes.

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With no resolution reached, the future of the Apetumodu stool remains uncertain, deepening divisions within Ipetumodu and raising questions about the state government’s next steps.