Tension As Kingmakers Reject Move To Dethrone Jailed Monarch
There was tension on Tuesday during a monthly meeting of princes in Ipetumodu, Osun State, following a call for Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool of the Apetumodu vacant following the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Oba Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu, was recently sentenced by a United States court to more than four years’ imprisonment for COVID-19 loan fraud.
He was also ordered to forfeit assets and pay over $4.4m in restitution.
During the meeting, held within the palace premises and presided over by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, started around 4 p.m., a prince demanded that Adedeji, as the most senior surviving kingmaker, write a formal letter to Governor Adeleke declaring the throne vacant.
Adedeji, however, rejected the request and reportedly recused himself from any move to declare the stool vacant.
His stance led to a shouting match among the attendees, causing the meeting to break down around 6 p.m.
Speaking afterwards, a prince from the Aribile Ruling House, Olaboye Ayoola, expressed disappointment at Adedeji’s refusal.
He said, “During the meeting, we all decided that two new kingmakers should be elected to replace the deceased ones and a letter written to the governor declaring the seat vacant. But Chief Adedeji refused, insisting we won’t do that. He also announced he was no longer interested in being a kingmaker. That led to chaos, and the meeting ended without any resolution.”
When contacted by The Punch, Adedeji confirmed his rejection of the proposal, saying only: “It is true. Peace has to reign first,” before declining further comment.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
