HEDA has demanded Oba Joseph Oloyede's removal following his 5-year U.S. prison sentence. Image: BBC Pidgin.
(The Post News)– The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to promptly remove Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu. This comes after a United States court found him guilty and sentenced him for committing fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds.
Oloyede’s U.S. Court Sentencing and HEDA’s Call for Action
On August 26, 2025, Justice Christopher Boyko of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio sentenced Oloyede to five years in prison for participating in a multimillion-dollar scam involving COVID-19 relief funds. In addition, the court ordered Oloyede to reimburse around $4.4 million to the victims affected by the fraudulent scheme.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Oloyede deceitfully used six companies to secure loans through U.S. emergency relief programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) schemes. Meanwhile, Oloyede admitted guilt, acknowledging his role in the elaborate fraud that targeted American businesses in desperate need of assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to Governor Adeleke, HEDA emphasized that a traditional ruler should represent integrity, culture, and respect. Therefore, the organization argued that Oloyede cannot continue to hold the esteemed position of Apetu of Ipetumodu while carrying the burden of a criminal conviction in a foreign country.
HEDA described Oloyede’s position as one that symbolizes ethical leadership, cultural heritage, and close ties with the community. Furthermore, Suraju explained that tradition “on this basis, we formally call for the removal of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, to protect the dignity of Osun’s traditional institutions and uphold the reputation of the state,” Suraju added.
Saraju further stressed that failure to act promptly could tarnish Osun State’s image both nationally and internationally. All rulers serve as custodians of culture and values, as symbols of leadership, and as community representatives. He argued that such a distinguished role should never suffer the stain of fraud, corruption, or criminal wrongdoing.
Moreover, HEDA cautioned that any delay in taking action could appear as government endorsement of fraud, further undermining public confidence in leadership. Accordingly, the organization urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to preserve the dignity of leadership and safeguard Nigeria’s reputation at both national and international levels.
HEDA also pledged to monitor the situation closely and remain committed to promoting accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in all areas of governance and leadership.
Obaship Dispute in Iree and Court Directives
Regarding the Obaship dispute, Iree currently does not have a king. Consequently, stakeholders must avoid any attempts to impose a ruler. Meanwhile, a key figure in Iree, a town within Boripe Local Council in Osun State, has received advice to respect a legitimate court verdict regarding the Aree of Iree chieftaincy seat.
Specifically, Justice M. O. Awe of the Osun State High Court in Osogbo clearly stated in a ruling on the unauthorized installation of Prince Muritala Oyelakin that the Aree throne remains vacant and that no individual should claim the title of Aree of Iree. On May 14, 2024, Justice Awe issued a directive prohibiting the Osun State Governor from installing Oyelakin or handing over the town’s staff of authority to him.
In response to comments from certain stakeholders asserting that the prestigious Aree throne was occupied, Prince Ali Afolabi of the Olubonku ruling House in Iree urged the community to respect and comply with the court’s directives.
Adeleke emphasized the importance of the people of Iree adhering to the rule of law and ensuring their actions do not contradict valid court rulings. Furthermore, Afolabi reminded residents that respecting judicial decisions strengthens governance and ensures peace in the community.
Both the situation in Ipetumodu and the Obaship dispute in Iree highlight the need for strict adherence to the law, accountability, and ethical leadership. By acting decisively, we can uphold the dignity of traditional institutions and maintain public trust while reinforcing the principle that no one, regardless of title, is above the law.
The people of Osun await decisive action from Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to remove Oba Joseph Oloyede, ensuring that integrity and justice prevail.
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