$4.4 Million Fraud Case: Group Calls for Removal of Convicted Osun Monarch

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is urging the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, to take action to remove Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, from his position. This request follows Oloyede’s conviction for fraud in the United States.

On August 26, a judge in Ohio sentenced the monarch to five years in prison for his involvement in a major fraud scheme that took advantage of COVID-19 relief funds. He has been ordered to repay around $4.4 million to those who were cheated.

Court documents show that Oba Oloyede admitted to his guilt after it was revealed that he used six different companies to illegally secure loans meant for emergency support during the pandemic, including programs designed to help businesses and those affected by the economic impact of COVID-19.

In a letter to Governor Adeleke, HEDA’s chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized that allowing Oloyede to stay in his royal position could harm the reputation of traditional leadership in Osun State. Suraju stated, “A traditional ruler should be a symbol of integrity and respect. A person with a criminal record cannot represent the values of our culture”.

Suraju added that traditional leaders hold a unique and respected place in their communities, and this role should not be associated with fraud or crime. “We strongly believe that Oba Joseph Oloyede should be removed from his position to protect the honor of Osun’s traditional institutions and preserve the integrity of the state,” he said.

HEDA warned that if the government does not act quickly, it might appear as if they are supporting fraud, which could damage the public’s trust in their leaders. They stated, “Failing to respond could suggest that fraud and dishonesty are acceptable, which would damage the traditional institutions of Osun State.” They called on Governor Adeleke to maintain strong leadership and protect Nigeria’s image both within the country and abroad.

The organization also vowed to keep a close watch on the situation, reaffirming its commitment to promoting honesty and transparency in governance. Reports indicate that the state government plans to obtain official documents related to the case to decide the fate of the convicted monarch.