Osun govt denies viral claim of Apetumodu’s removal as monarch

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State Government has dismissed a press release circulating on the alleged deposition of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area of the state, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede (Latimogun I).

In an official statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Ogundun, the government said reports that the monarch had been deposed were fake.

The government clarified that the viral release did not originate from either the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The statement advised members of the public, particularly indigenes of Ipetumodu, to ignore the viral information.

The government further disclosed that it has engaged in useful and meaningful consultations with stakeholders in Ipetumodu, adding that appropriate steps are being taken in line with the rule of law.

It assured that decisions on the matter would be communicated through official channels at the appropriate time.

It would be recalled that the monarch, Oloyede, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to four years in prison on August 26, 2025.

He was convicted of leading a conspiracy to exploit COVID-19 emergency loan programmes intended to support struggling small businesses.