Osun kingmakers reject move to dethrone jailed monarch

Oba Joseph

Tension erupted on Tuesday during a meeting of princes in Ipetumodu, Osun State, after a call was made for Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool of the Apetumodu vacant following the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede in the United States.

Oba Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu, was recently sentenced to more than four years’ imprisonment in the U.S. for COVID-19 loan fraud.

He was also ordered to forfeit assets and pay over $4.4m in restitution.

The meeting, held within the palace premises and presided over by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, started around 4 p.m. and progressed without incident until a prince demanded that Adedeji, as the most senior surviving kingmaker, write a formal letter to Governor Adeleke declaring the throne vacant.

Adedeji, however, rejected the request and reportedly recused himself from any move to declare the stool vacant.

His stance sparked a shouting match among the attendees, causing the meeting to break down around 6 p.m.

Speaking afterwards, a prince from the Aribile Ruling House, Olaboye Ayoola, expressed disappointment at Adedeji’s refusal. Punch