Governor Ademola Adeleke is facing pressure to act on the Apetu stool in Ipetumodu, Osun State, over the absence of a monarch in the town.
Community stakeholders, including kingmakers and representatives of the Aribile and Fagbemokun ruling houses, raised the issue at a press conference held in Ipetumodu on Thursday.
They asked the state government to declare the stool vacant and begin the process of selecting a new traditional ruler within seven days.
The dispute centres on the continued recognition of Oba Joseph Oloyede, who is serving a prison sentence in the United States.
A United States District Judge, Christopher A. Boyko, sentenced him on August 26, 2025, to 56 months in prison after he was convicted of involvement in a scheme linked to COVID-19 relief funds.
Authorities in the United States said the scheme involved exploiting emergency loan programmes meant to support small businesses during the pandemic.
Court documents showed that assets linked to the case, including a property in Medina, Ohio and more than $96,000, were forfeited.
The court also ordered restitution of more than $4.4 million and a period of supervised release after the prison term.
Despite this, community leaders said the delay in declaring the stool vacant has created uncertainty in Ipetumodu.
Speaking for the ruling houses, Dele Oyebade said the Certified True Copy of the judgment had been submitted to the state government.
“The documents have been made available, yet no action has followed. This delay is causing tension within the community,” he said.
Mr Oyebade said the governor might not have received full details from the lawmaker representing Ife North State Constituency Akinyode Oyewusi.
He added that actions delaying the process should stop.
Another community representative Olaboye Ayoola said the absence of a monarch has led to disputes and gaps in administration.
“We are giving the government seven days to respond. The town cannot continue without leadership,” he said.
Mr Ayoola said neighbouring communities were encroaching on disputed land, while some cultural rites had been suspended.
On behalf of the traditional council, the Aresa of Ipetumodu Lawrence Odewale called for the stool to be declared vacant and for the appointment of warrant chiefs to support the selection process.
He said this would allow the kingmakers to carry out their duties.
