By Peter Omopo
ABUJA – The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has urged Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to immediately commence the process of dethroning the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, following his conviction for fraud in the United States.
On August 26, Judge Christopher Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio sentenced the monarch to five years in prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme that diverted U.S. COVID-19 relief funds. He was also ordered to repay $4.4 million to victims.
According to court records, Oba Oloyede admitted to using six companies to fraudulently obtain loans under emergency relief initiatives, including the Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) scheme.
In a letter signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA argued that retaining the monarch on the throne would damage the credibility of Osun’s traditional institutions.
“A traditional ruler, who is expected to embody integrity, culture, and respect, cannot continue to occupy the revered stool of Ipetumodu while bearing the stigma of a criminal conviction abroad,” Suraju stated.
The group insisted that traditional rulers serve as custodians of culture and values, stressing that the Apetu’s continued reign would “taint a sacred position with the moral burden of fraud and corruption.”
HEDA further warned that government inaction could be interpreted as complicity, undermining public trust.
“The failure to act promptly could amount to condoning fraud and desecrating Osun State’s traditional institutions,” the statement read. “We call on Governor Adeleke to uphold the sanctity of leadership and protect Nigeria’s image both nationally and internationally.”
The organisation vowed to monitor developments closely, reiterating its commitment to accountability and transparency.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has said it is awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before taking a final decision on the monarch’s fate.
