The Osun State Government says it will soon take action on the lingering dispute in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area, over the fate of the town’s monarch, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who was recently jailed in the United States for COVID-19 relief fund fraud.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Osogbo after the State Executive Council meeting, noting that Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde, to handle the matter swiftly.
Last week, efforts by princes of the town to press for Oba Oloyede’s removal turned chaotic. During a heated meeting at the palace, the princes urged the kingmakers to formally petition the governor, declare the throne vacant, and begin the process of selecting a new ruler.
Their demand was, however, rejected by the most senior kingmaker, the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, who insisted that peace must prevail. His stance sparked uproar, with shouting matches, name-calling, and threats of violence disrupting the gathering.
Speaking to journalists, Prince Olaboye Ayoola of the Aribile Ruling House accused Chief Adedeji of blocking the collective decision to replace two deceased kingmakers and initiate the monarch’s removal. “That led to chaos, and the meeting ended without any resolution,” he said.
Reacting, Chief Adedeji confirmed he opposed the move, reiterating his call for peace in the community.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Babatunde clarified that the government cannot take decisive action until it obtains a Certified True Copy of the U.S. judgment convicting Oba Oloyede.
