The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, has approached the Osun State High Court to challenge his removal from the traditional throne by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Oloyede, who was deposed in May 2026 following his conviction in the United States over fraud-related offences, is asking the court to stop the state government from appointing another person to occupy the Apetumodu stool pending the determination of his case.
The suit, registered as HIF/50/2026, was filed at the Ile-Ife Judicial Division of the Osun State High Court. The former monarch is listed as the second claimant, alongside three members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House.
Other claimants include Prince Oyewusi Adewuni, Prince Isaac Adewuni and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro.
The monarch is challenging the legality of his deposition, arguing that the state government failed to notify him formally of any alleged wrongdoing or give him an opportunity to respond before his removal.
In a motion on notice dated September 16, 2026, the claimants asked the court to restrain Adeleke and other respondents from taking steps to fill the traditional stool or appoint a replacement until the substantive case is decided.
The governor is among several defendants named in the suit. Others include the Osun State Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, traditional leaders in Ipetumodu and Ife North Local Government.
Oloyede's deposition followed his conviction in the United States. On August 26, 2025, a US federal court sentenced him to 56 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to offences involving wire fraud, filing false tax returns and financial transactions connected to a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fund fraud scheme. He was also ordered to pay $4.4 million in restitution.
The Osun State Government subsequently approved his removal after receiving a certified copy of the US court judgment.
The case came up before Justice Dapo Adeniji on Monday, November 2, but proceedings could not continue because hearing notices had not been served on all the respondents.
Following the development, the judge adjourned the matter until January 21, 2027, and directed that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.
The court is expected to consider the claimants' application and the wider dispute over the legality of the monarch's removal at a later sitting.