The dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has dragged Governor Ademola Adeleke before an Osun State High Court, seeking to stop the state government from appointing a replacement for him.
Oloyede, who was convicted in the United States over fraud-related offences, is challenging his removal from the traditional throne, alleging that the state government failed to follow due process before deposing him.
The former monarch is the second claimant in suit number HIF/50/2026, filed before the Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife.
Other claimants include Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, who are representing themselves and other members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.
In a motion on notice dated September 16, 2026, Oloyede sought an interlocutory injunction restraining Adeleke and other defendants from taking steps to fill the Apetumodu stool or appoint another person pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The former monarch alleged that Governor Adeleke did not formally inform him of any wrongdoing before approving his removal from office.
He also challenged the deposition order, which was reportedly signed by the governor on May 7, 2026, arguing that his removal was carried out without a lawful basis.
The defendants in the suit include Adeleke, the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, the Asalu of Ipetumodu and head of the kingmakers, Chief Adesoye Babalola, the Malefon of Ipetumodu and Ife North Local Government.
Meanwhile, proceedings in the case were stalled on Monday following complaints over the non-service of hearing notices on some of the parties.
During the proceedings, only the claimants’ counsel, O. Ogbewe, and counsel to the fifth defendant, Soji Oyetayo, were present in court.
Ogbewe told the court that the defendants had been served with the relevant court processes.
However, Oyetayo informed the court that he had not received the hearing notice and requested an adjournment to allow proper service on all parties.
In his ruling, Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case until January 21, 2027, and directed that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Adeleke approved Oloyede’s deposition following his conviction in the United States on charges involving tax fraud and money laundering.
The monarch was sentenced to 56 months’ imprisonment in August 2025 by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
The conviction followed his involvement in offences relating to wire fraud, false tax returns and financial transactions involving proceeds of crime.
The Osun State Government subsequently declared the traditional stool vacant, paving the way for the selection of a new Apetumodu.
The latest court action means the dispute over the traditional institution will continue into 2027.
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