Deposed Osun monarch convicted in US files suit against appointment of successor

Premium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterNov 3

Joseph Oloyede, the former Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Ademola Adeleke and several state officials to halt the appointment of a successor to his traditional title. Oloyede, who holds dual US and Nigerian citizenship, was previously convicted in the United States in August 2025 and sentenced to 56 months in prison for defrauding the federal government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. Following the receipt of the certified US court judgment in May 2026, the Osun State government officially removed Oloyede and declared the royal stool vacant. The current legal action, filed in the Osun State High Court, argues that the state failed to provide formal notice of the alleged misconduct prior to his deposition. Oloyede is seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent the government from filling the position until the substantive case is resolved.

Bias read (Center): The report relies on neutral legal terminology and cites specific court documents and official actions without employing loaded adjectives or omitting the defendant's stated justification based on the criminal conviction.

The PunchIndependentCenterNov 3

Oba Joseph Oloyede, the dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has filed a lawsuit against Governor Ademola Adeleke to halt the appointment of a successor to the chieftaincy title. Oloyede, who was previously convicted in the United States for offenses related to fraud, argues that the state government failed to formally notify him of any infractions prior to initiating the replacement process. He seeks an interlocutory injunction to prevent the governor and relevant officials from filling the stool until the main suit is resolved. Other plaintiffs include members of the Latimogun Royal Family, while defendants include the state Attorney-General, local government heads, and traditional rulers. The initial court hearing was delayed due to disputes over whether proper legal notices were served on all parties involved.

Bias read (Center): The report relies exclusively on procedural facts and direct quotes from the court filing, presenting the plaintiff's allegations and the procedural delay without adding editorial judgment or external commentary.