The whereabouts of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, have sparked controversy in his domain, with residents urging Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to investigate his prolonged absence.
Oba Oloyede, a United States-based accountant and information systems expert, was appointed Apetu in July 2019, succeeding Oba James Adegoke, who passed away in November 2017. Since his installation, the royal father had been shuttling between Nigeria and the US. However, he has not been seen in his domain since March 2024, fueling speculation about his whereabouts.
Community Concern Over Monarch’s Disappearance
A chief in Ipetumodu, who requested anonymity, stated that senior chiefs, including the Oosa of Ipetumodu (next in line to the Apetu), had stopped attending palace meetings.
“It’s been almost a year since we last saw our king. He was supposed to return by January, but we are now in February, and there is no sign of him,” the chief lamented.
Oba Oloyede was also notably absent from major community events, including the Edi Festival in October 2024. Traditionally, the monarch must wear the ancient crown and offer blessings (iwure) for the town, but his absence raised concerns.
A palace insider revealed, “His wife stood in for him at events, which is an abomination. The masquerade (Egungun) even bowed to a woman, which has never happened before.”
Fraud Allegations and Legal Battle in the US
According to a US Attorney’s Office press release, a man identified as Joseph Oloyede (61) and Edward Oluwasanmi (61) were indicted in April 2024 for allegedly defrauding the US government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. They were charged with 13 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.
Investigations suggest that the indicted Joseph Oloyede is the same person as Oba Oloyede of Ipetumodu. Findings revealed:
- The indicted Oloyede is 61 years old, the same age as the monarch.
- Both have ties to Cleveland, Ohio.
- The monarch’s LinkedIn profile lists him as a tax consultant under Available Tax Services, a company linked to the fraud case.
Court documents allege that Oloyede and his accomplice falsified Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications, securing at least $4.2 million in fraudulent funds. Authorities are also seeking to seize his $130,000 home in Medina, Ohio.
Monarch’s Response and Denial
In a New Year speech delivered via a projector, the monarch dismissed the allegations, cursing his critics.
“All the lies being peddled around… I have told God, whoever writes nonsense about me won’t write anything good in his life,” he said.
When contacted, Oba Oloyede refused to comment directly on the fraud charges, stating in Yoruba:
“Not everything on the internet is true. There are so many enemies who don’t want my community to progress.”
Ipetumodu Awaits Its Monarch
The prolonged absence of Oba Oloyede has left Ipetumodu in uncertainty, with residents demanding transparency about his situation. Meanwhile, the US legal proceedings continue, casting a shadow over his return.