Osun State Government has denied reports that it has deposed the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu Oba Joseph Oloyede.
The denial followed a statement circulated on social media on Tuesday claiming that the monarch had been removed from office by the state government.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Olufemi Ogundun, said the viral report did not come from the government.
“The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to a fake press release in circulation on the purported deposition of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu,” the statement said.
Mr Ogundun added that the statement was not issued by the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“The press release did not emanate from the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and members of the general public and particularly indigenes of Ipetumodu, are advised to disregard the fake viral story,” he said.
The government said it had held consultations with stakeholders in Ipetumodu and was taking steps in line with the law.
“The State Government has had useful and meaningful consultation and dialogue with stakeholders of Ipetumodu, and steps are being taken in line with the rule of law,” the statement added.
It also said residents would be informed of any decision through official channels.
“At the appropriate time, the general public and indigenes of Ipetumodu will be informed of the action of Government on the issue through the appropriate channels of communication,” the statement said.
Oba Joseph Oloyede came under public attention after his conviction in the United States over offences linked to COVID-19 relief loan fraud.
The monarch, who holds Nigerian and United States citizenship, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko to 56 months in prison.
Following the judgment, Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Dosu Babatunde, said the government would not act on media reports alone but would wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before taking any step.
