The prolonged absence of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, has sparked widespread concerns among his subjects, as speculations surrounding his disappearance continue to grow. The monarch, who has not been seen in Ipetumodu since March 2024, was last reported to have traveled to the United States, where he allegedly faces legal troubles.
Oba Oloyede, a U.S.-based accountant and information systems expert, was installed as the Apetu in July 2019. Since his ascension, he has frequently shuttled between Nigeria and the U.S. However, for nearly a year, he has been absent from his domain, missing key traditional events and failing to address mounting concerns about his whereabouts.
According to an investigative report by PUNCH, recent findings suggest that Oba Oloyede may be entangled in a legal case involving a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme in the United States. Reports from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio indicate that a certain Joseph Oloyede, aged 61, was indicted alongside another individual, Edward Oluwasanmi, on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The indictment alleges that they fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief funds meant for small businesses, using fictitious companies.
Documents from the federal court in Cleveland, Ohio, reveal that the accused Oloyede is a tax consultant and professor with links to the Greater Cleveland area—strikingly similar to the professional background of the Apetu of Ipetumodu. Further checks on LinkedIn confirm that Oba Oloyede listed himself as a professor and tax consultant based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Amidst these reports, Ipetumodu residents have expressed their worries about the king’s absence. According to PUNCH, the last time Oba Oloyede was heard from was during the town’s annual festival in January 2025, where he addressed the gathering through a projector screen. However, his face was not visible, fueling further speculations.
“We were told he was unwell and recuperating in the U.S., but later, we heard he was facing a court case. No one has seen him, and no one knows exactly where he is,” a high-ranking chief in the town disclosed.
In the king’s absence, his wife has reportedly been acting as a regent, a move some community members find culturally inappropriate. His continued absence has also affected the smooth running of the town’s traditional affairs, with major festivals such as the Odun Edi and Egungun Festival being conducted without his presence.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the Apetu’s situation, community leaders and concerned residents have called on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene. Many believe the government should clarify the monarch’s legal status and determine whether he can still effectively lead his people.
For now, the fate of the Apetu of Ipetumodu remains unclear, and until official statements are made, the people of Ipetumodu remain in limbo, awaiting answers about the whereabouts of their traditional ruler.
In conclusion, as this case unfolds, the people of Ipetumodu hope for transparency regarding their monarch’s situation. Whether Oba Oloyede returns to continue his reign or faces legal consequences abroad, the town must prepare for the outcome of this unprecedented situation.
.png)
0 Comments