Dethroned Osun monarch convicted of fraud in US drags Governor Adeleke to court over appointment of successor

The dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has dragged Governor Ademola Adeleke before an Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, seeking to stop the appointment of a new monarch.

Oloyede, who was removed following his conviction in the United States over tax fraud and money laundering, filed a motion in suit number HIF/50/2026, asking the court to restrain Adeleke and other state officials from filling the stool until the substantive case is determined.

In an application dated September 16, 2026, the former monarch argued that the governor and relevant officials did not formally notify him of any wrongdoing before proceeding with his removal.

He also challenged the legality of his deposition, citing a May 11, 2026, report by The Guardian which stated that Adeleke had signed the removal order on May 7. Oloyede maintained that he was not informed of any alleged offence before the announcement.

Other claimants in the suit include Princes Oyewusi Adewusi, Isaac Adewuni and Abiodun Oyetoro, representing members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House.

The defendants include Adeleke, the state Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, Chief Adesoye Babalola, the Malefon of Ipetumodu and Ife North Local Government.

However, proceedings were stalled on Monday after some defendants reportedly failed to receive their hearing notices.

Only the claimants' lawyer, O. Ogbewe, and counsel for the fifth defendant, Soji Oyetayo, appeared in court. While Ogbewe told the court that the processes had been served, Oyetayo said he had not received the hearing notice and requested an adjournment.

Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case until January 21, 2027, and directed that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.