Oba Joseph Oloyede: Apetumodu of Ipetumodu Lawsuit Challenges Adeleke Deposition

• Oba Joseph Oloyede, the dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, is suing Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop the replacement of his stool.
• Oloyede, convicted in the US for fraud, alleges he was not formally informed of any infraction before his deposition.
• The lawsuit, filed on September 16, 2026, names Governor Adeleke and several other state and local officials as defendants.
• A recent court hearing was adjourned to January 21, 2027, due to the non-service of hearing notices to all parties.
• The case challenges the procedural requirements for deposing traditional rulers, especially concerning foreign convictions and gubernatorial powers.

This ongoing litigation holds significant implications for the exercise of gubernatorial authority in chieftaincy matters across Osun State and potentially wider Nigeria.

Oba Joseph Oloyede, the former Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has initiated legal proceedings against Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking to prevent the filling of the Apetumodu stool. The monarch, who was previously convicted in the United States for fraud-related offenses, filed a motion on notice before the Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife on September 16, 2026. He contends that Governor Adeleke did not formally notify him of any wrongdoing before commencing the process to replace him.

The lawsuit, designated HIF/50/2026, includes several other claimants: Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni, and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, who are acting on behalf of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu. Beyond Governor Adeleke, the defendants named in the suit are Barr. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dosu Babatunde Esq., 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 the Ife North Local Government.

The core of the dispute centers on Governor Adeleke's decision to approve Oba Oloyede's deposition from the Apetumodu stool. This action followed Oba Oloyede's conviction in the United States on charges of tax fraud and money laundering. The former monarch's legal challenge asserts that his removal was effected without due process, specifically alleging that he received no prior communication from the state government regarding any infractions before the purported deposition.

According to court filings, an online edition of The Guardian Newspaper published on May 11, 2026, reported that Oba Oloyede had been deposed via an order or instrument allegedly signed by Governor Adeleke on May 7, 2026. The claimant maintains that neither the Governor nor the Commissioners for Justice or Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs informed him of any alleged misconduct before this publication or the issuance of the deposition order, thereby forming the basis of his request for an interlocutory injunction to halt any replacement efforts.

This ongoing litigation holds significant implications for the exercise of gubernatorial authority in chieftaincy matters across Osun State and potentially wider Nigeria. The case will scrutinize the procedural requirements for deposing traditional rulers, particularly when a foreign conviction is a factor, and the extent to which state executives must adhere to principles of natural justice, such as formal notification of alleged offenses. The outcome could clarify the legal weight of international judgments in local chieftaincy disputes and establish precedents for similar challenges to executive decisions concerning traditional institutions.

The court's eventual decision will determine whether Governor Adeleke's actions complied with established legal frameworks for the deposition of traditional rulers. The resolution of this Apetumodu stool replacement challenge will be closely watched by legal practitioners and traditional institutions alike, as it could redefine the boundaries of executive power and the rights of monarchs facing deposition.

During a recent court session, the proceedings were unexpectedly stalled due to the non-service of hearing notices to all parties involved. This procedural hurdle emerged despite O. Ogbewe, counsel for the claimants, asserting that he had served the defendants with the necessary legal processes. However, Soji Oyetayo, who was present as counsel for the 5th defendant, Chief Adesoye Babalola, countered this claim, stating unequivocally that he had not received a hearing notice for his client.

In response to the identified service issue, Justice Dapo Adeniji, presiding over the Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, made a ruling to ensure proper judicial process. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to January 21, 2027, and further directed that fresh hearing notices be meticulously issued and served on all defendants. This order aims to guarantee that all parties are duly informed and can participate effectively in the continuation of the case.

This litigation will clarify the procedural requirements and the extent of gubernatorial powers in deposing traditional rulers in Osun State, especially when foreign convictions are a factor. Lawyers advising state governments or traditional institutions should closely monitor the outcome for precedents on due process, the legal implications of international judgments on local chieftaincy matters, and the potential for similar challenges to executive decisions.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH.