The Osun State Government has formally deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, and declared the stool vacant following his conviction in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud.
The decision, announced on Monday, was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed due consultation, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.
According to the government, the removal of the monarch was carried out in line with the Osun State Chiefs Law (as amended) and other applicable legal frameworks guiding traditional institutions in the state.
Oba Oloyede, who is currently serving a jail term in the United States, was said to have been convicted over his involvement in COVID-19 fraud-related offences abroad.
The statement added that the staff of office and all instruments of authority earlier issued to the monarch have been withdrawn with immediate effect, effectively ending his reign as Apetumodu.
The government further declared the traditional stool vacant, adding that processes for succession would be communicated in due course in line with established customary and legal procedures.
It also directed security agencies to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order in Ipetumodu and its environs.
Residents, kingmakers, ruling houses, and other stakeholders were urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as government assured that due process would be strictly followed in filling the vacant stool.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of traditional institutions, stressing that no occupant of a stool would be allowed to remain in office in violation of extant laws or due process.
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