​The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has initiated legal proceedings against Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife, seeking to restrain the state government from selecting or installing a new traditional ruler for the town.
​The suit follows Governor Adeleke’s executive action on May 7, 2026, which formally deposed the monarch after receiving certified true copies of court documents from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Oba Oloyede had been convicted of wire fraud and tax offences involving a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fund scheme, resulting in a 56-month federal prison sentence and mandatory supervised release.
​In an interlocutory injunction application dated September 16, 2026, Oba Oloyede, listed as the second claimant alongside representatives of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House, including Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni, and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, asked the court to preserve the status quo.
The claimants contend that the deposition was carried out in violation of fair hearing principles, asserting that the monarch was never formally queried, issued official notice, or afforded an opportunity to defend himself against administrative allegations before his removal was publicized.
​Scheduled for a hearing on Monday morning, November 2, 2026, the court session was abruptly halted. Presiding Judge Justice Dapo Adeniji announced an adjournment after finding that official hearing notices had not been properly served on the defendants, including Governor Adeleke and state traditional affairs representatives. The court subsequently ordered fresh notices to be served on all relevant parties and rescheduled the hearing for January 21, 2027.
​Legal representatives for the dethroned monarch argued in their court filings that proceeding with any selection or installation process while the validity of the removal remains under judicial review would prejudice the ongoing case.
In response, state officials maintained that the administration acted within statutory powers to protect the integrity of the traditional stool, reiterating Governor Adeleke’s call for residents of Ipetumodu to remain peaceful while legal processes run their course.
