Following the conviction of Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede by the United States District Court over fraud, the Osun State Government has begun moves over the vacant stool.
Recall that Oba Oloyede was sentenced to 56 Months imprisonment for defrauding the U.S Government of $4.2Million in Covid 19 relief fund.
During the Executive Council meeting in Osogbo, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke instructed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to immediately look into the situation and make appropriate decisions.
Governor Adeleke said the news of the conviction was disheartening, considering the status of the convict.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief Kolapo Alimi, confirmed that the state government would obtain a Certified True Copy of the U.S. court judgment before taking further action.
It also noted that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has also been tasked to engage Ipetumodu kingmakers and other stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the community.
According to the statement, the legal procedures governing the throne under Osun Chieftaincy laws will be explored to ensure that all steps conform with due process to forestall disputes.
“The government remains committed to protecting the integrity of traditional stools across Osun State while taking necessary measures to preserve peace, order, and cultural heritage,” the statement added.
Apetumodu, Oba Oloyede, having pleaded guilty before a US court to charges of fraud was convicted and placed on supervised release for three years and was also ordered to pay restitution of $4.4 Million.