The Osun State Government has dismissed reports claiming it has deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, describing the information as false and misleading.
The denial follows a viral social media report alleging that the monarch had been removed from office by the state authorities.
Oba Oloyede was, however, sentenced on August 26, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to 56 months’ imprisonment after being convicted for leading a conspiracy that exploited COVID-19 emergency loan programmes meant for struggling small businesses.
Read Also:
Reacting to the viral claim, the Osun State Government, in a statement issued in Osogbo by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Ogundun, said the purported deposition did not emanate from any official source.
“The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to a fake press release in circulation on the purported deposition of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu.
“The press release did not emanate from the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Members of the public, particularly indigenes of Ipetumodu, are advised to disregard the fake story,” the statement read.
The government added that it has been engaging relevant stakeholders and would act strictly in line with the rule of law.
It assured that any decision on the matter would be communicated through appropriate official channels at the right time.
