Amanze Chinonye
Fresh pressure is mounting on the Osun State Government to address the leadership vacuum in Ipetumodu as two recognised ruling houses step up moves to fill the vacant Apetu stool, months after the conviction of the town’s monarch in the United States, Prime Business Africa reports.
The families recently secured a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the U.S. court judgment against Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, who was sentenced in August 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to 56 months’ imprisonment over his role in a multimillion-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
The court also ordered him to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution and forfeit assets, including a property in Medina, Ohio.
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The monarch’s conviction last year sparked controversy within the ancient town, with stakeholders expressing concern over the status of the traditional stool amid his incarceration abroad. While the judgment was delivered in 2025, community leaders say the absence of an official court record had delayed formal engagement with relevant authorities in Nigeria.
According to representatives of the ruling houses, the CTC requested in November 2025 and now duly endorsed by the U.S. court provides the legal backing needed to trigger action under Osun State’s chieftaincy laws.
Prince Olaboye Ayoola, who spoke on behalf of the families, disclosed that steps are being taken to formally engage Ademola Adeleke on the commencement of the succession process. He noted that the community cannot afford prolonged uncertainty over its traditional leadership.
The latest move shifts focus from the overseas criminal proceedings to the domestic implications, as attention now turns to how the Osun State Government will respond to calls to fill the vacant Apetu stool in line with tradition and the law.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
