JUST IN: HEDA Calls on Osun Governor Adeleke to Immediately Dethrone the Apetu of Ipetumodu Following U.S. Fraud Conviction

 Abuja/Osogbo — September 1, 2025 — The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption and human rights organization, has formally urged the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to commence the statutory process to dethrone Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu. This demand follows his conviction and sentencing in a U.S. court for fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds. 

U.S. Conviction Details

• On August 26, 2025, Judge Christopher A. Boyko of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio sentenced Oba Oloyede to 56 months in prison (4 years and 8 months), plus three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution to the fraud scheme’s victims.  
• Oba Oloyede had pled guilty after prosecutors presented evidence that he used six shell companies to fraudulently obtain loans under U.S. emergency relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) scheme.  

HEDA’s Appeal to Governor Adeleke

In a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA condemned the continuation of a monarch’s reign following such a criminal conviction, asserting that traditional rulers are expected to embody “integrity, culture, and respect.” The group argued:

“A traditional ruler … cannot continue to occupy the revered stool of Ipetumodu while bearing the stigma of a criminal conviction abroad.” 

HEDA further warned that failing to act could suggest government complicity, undermine public confidence, and dishonor Osun State’s traditional institutions. The organization pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely. 

Oba Oloyede’s Background

• Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede ascended the throne in November 2019, becoming the 27th Apetu of Ipetumodu. His background includes multiple advanced degrees, including an MBA acquired in the U.S., and a DBA.  
• The fraud stemmed from misuse of U.S. COVID-19 relief funds and subsequent legal proceedings culminated in his sentencing in August 2025.  

Next Steps & Government Response

The Osun State Government has indicated plans to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the U.S. judgment to determine what course of action to take regarding the traditional ruler’s status.