By Jeleel Olawale
The Osun State Government has directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Dosu Babatunde, to take immediate action regarding the situation in Ipetumodu, where the town’s monarch was recently jailed in the United States.
Governor Ademola Adeleke gave the directive during Friday’s State Executive Council meeting, describing the development as “unfortunate” and calling for urgent intervention.
The directive follows the sentencing of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who was handed a 56-month prison term by Judge Christopher Boyko of a U.S. District Court. He was convicted for his role in a $4.2 million COVID-19 fraud scheme and for filing falsified tax documents.
Since Oloyede’s incarceration, Ipetumodu—headquarters of Ife-North Local Government Area—has been without a ruler, a vacuum that has sparked tension between the royal family and the kingmakers.
Reports indicate that while some kingmakers have resisted moves to appoint a successor, citing loyalty to the jailed monarch, others in the community are pressing for his replacement.
The crown and other royal regalia are also said to be missing, further complicating the situation.
The Aribile ruling house welcomed the governor’s intervention, describing it as long overdue. Speaking to Sunday Vanguard, Prince Olaboye Ayoola said the community had been waiting for government action, adding that the step aligns with the expectations of the people.
On his part, the head of the kingmakers, Chief Sunday Adedeji, noted that the council of chiefs would await further government directives before making any decisions.
