The conviction of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, in the US for $4.2 million fraud has sparked unrest in Osun State after the disappearance of his ancestral crown and beads, fueling disputes over tradition and succession.
The ancient town of Ipetumodu in Osun State has been thrown into turmoil following the disappearance of the ancestral crown and royal beads belonging to the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who was recently jailed in the United States for $4.2 million COVID-19 fraud.
Barely two weeks after U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sentenced Oloyede to 56 months imprisonment, residents reported that aides of the monarch allegedly removed the crown and beads from his home, which doubled as the palace after he demolished the original royal compound.
“The crown is missing and the mastermind has no idea of what they are doing and the backlash on our town,” a community chieftain warned, adding that the loss of the sacred objects “portends a grave dilemma” for succession.
While some princes argue that Oloyede’s 2019 enthronement defied tradition, kingmakers maintain due process was followed under Osun State law. “We never acted contrary to the tradition of Ipetumodu,” said Chief Sunday Adedeji, leader of the chiefs.
However, members of the Aribile ruling house have passed a vote of no confidence in the kingmakers, demanding that Governor Ademola Adeleke appoint warrant chiefs and allow them to replace Oloyede from among his former rivals.
Despite commercial activities continuing, the community remains tense. Residents fear the missing crown and irregularities in the enthronement process may spark further disputes over the ancient stool.