The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has approached the Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, seeking to restrain Governor Ademola Adeleke and other government officials from appointing a new monarch to replace him.
Oloyede, who was removed from the throne following his conviction in the United States over fraud-related offences, is challenging the legality of his deposition, alleging that the state government failed to give him formal notice of any wrongdoing before taking the decision.
In a motion on notice dated September 16, 2026, filed in suit number HIF/50/2026, the former monarch asked the court to issue an interlocutory injunction preventing the governor and other defendants from taking steps to fill the vacant traditional stool pending the determination of the substantive case.
He argued that his removal was carried out without giving him an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him. He also questioned the legality of the deposition order reportedly signed by Adeleke on May 7, 2026.
Other claimants in the suit include Princes Oyewusi Adewusi, Isaac Adewuni and Abiodun Oyetoro, representing members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.
The defendants include Governor Adeleke, the Osun State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as other traditional authorities and Ife North Local Government.
Meanwhile, proceedings were stalled on Monday after disagreements arose over the service of hearing notices on some of the defendants.
While counsel to the claimants, O. Ogbewe, informed the court that the relevant processes had been served, counsel to the fifth defendant, Soji Oyetayo, said he had not received the hearing notice and requested an adjournment.
Justice Dapo Adeniji subsequently adjourned the matter until January 21, 2027, directing that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.
Oloyede was sentenced to 56 months in prison by a United States court on August 26, 2025, after pleading guilty to offences involving wire fraud, filing false tax returns and financial transactions involving proceeds of crime. The case involved the fraudulent acquisition of COVID-19 relief funds.
Following his conviction, the Osun State Government announced his removal in May 2026, declaring the traditional stool vacant.
