$4.4m Fraud: HEDA Calls for Removal of Convicted Osun Monarch
$4.4m Fraud: HEDA Calls for Removal of Convicted Osun Monarch
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to immediately initiate the dethronement of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction for fraud in the United States.
On August 26, Judge Christopher Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio sentenced the monarch to five years in prison for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar scheme that misappropriated U.S. COVID-19 relief funds. He was also ordered to repay approximately $4.4 million to the victims.
According to court records, Oba Oloyede pleaded guilty after prosecutors revealed that he had used six companies to fraudulently secure loans through emergency relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan scheme.
In a letter to Governor Adeleke, signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA warned that allowing the monarch to remain on the throne would undermine the credibility of Osun’s traditional institution.
“A traditional ruler, who by virtue of his position is expected to embody integrity, culture, and respect, cannot continue to occupy the revered stool of Ipetumodu while bearing the stigma of a criminal conviction abroad,” Suraju said.
He added: “Traditional rulers are custodians of culture and values, symbols of authority, and the closest link to their people. Such a sacred position must never be tainted by the moral burden of fraud, corruption, or criminal conviction.
“On this basis, we respectfully call for the dethronement of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, to uphold the dignity of Osun’s traditional institutions and protect the integrity of the state,” the anti-corruption group said.
HEDA warned that any government inaction could be perceived as complicity, undermining public confidence in leadership and governance.
“Failure to act swiftly could be interpreted as condoning fraud and tarnishing Osun State’s traditional institutions,” the organisation added. “We urge Governor Adeleke to preserve the sanctity of leadership and safeguard Nigeria’s image both domestically and internationally.”
The group also pledged to closely follow developments, reaffirming its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in all sectors of governance.
According to The Press, the state government stated that it would obtain a Certified True Copy of the judgment to determine the appropriate course of action regarding the convicted monarch.
