Royal Scandal: Osun Monarch Named in U.S. COVID-19 Relief Fraud

The traditional ruler of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, is at the center of a growing controversy as his prolonged absence from the town raises concerns among residents. The monarch, who has been shuttling between Nigeria and the United States since his appointment in 2019, has not been seen in Ipetumodu since March 2024. His disappearance has fueled speculation, with some residents claiming he is facing trial in the U.S. over fraud allegations.

Community leaders and residents have expressed frustration over the situation, urging Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to intervene. Many chiefs, including the Oosa of Ipetumodu, have reportedly stopped attending palace meetings due to the uncertainty surrounding the monarch’s whereabouts. The Apetu was last expected in town in January 2025 but failed to return, deepening suspicions among locals. During a recent annual Christian prayer event, a figure resembling the king appeared on a projector screen, addressing the audience and denying imprisonment. However, many residents dismissed the appearance as misleading, insisting on his physical return.

His absence has also disrupted significant cultural and religious events in the community, including the Odun Egungun, Odun Edi, and Ota Aaje festivals, where the king plays a crucial role. Traditionally, the Apetu is required to offer prayers and blessings to the town during these festivals. His failure to attend has raised concerns about adherence to cultural norms, especially as his wife reportedly stood in for him—an act considered unacceptable by tradition.

Amid these speculations, reports from the U.S. have linked the name Joseph Oloyede to a financial fraud case. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, a certain Joseph Oloyede and another suspect, Edward Oluwasanmi, were indicted in April 2024 for allegedly defrauding COVID-19 relief funds amounting to $4.2 million. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Investigators allege that the accused individuals created fictitious businesses to obtain financial aid meant for small businesses during the pandemic.

Further inquiries suggest that the indicted individual shares significant similarities with the Apetu of Ipetumodu. Both the king and the accused are the same age, have connections to Cleveland, Ohio, and have professional backgrounds in tax consultancy. Oloyede’s LinkedIn profile also matches details of the suspect’s business operations, including his ownership of Available Tax Services, a company central to the fraud case. U.S. prosecutors have reportedly seized properties linked to the accused, including a home purchased in 2021 for $130,000.

Despite mounting evidence, some supporters of the monarch have dismissed the allegations, arguing that the name “Olugbenga” is missing from the U.S. indictment and that no official images confirm his identity in the fraud case. However, an increasing number of residents remain skeptical and are demanding clarity on their ruler’s legal status.

In a recent virtual address during the New Year prayer session, the monarch vehemently denied wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. He accused detractors of spreading falsehoods to tarnish his reputation and destabilize the community. When confronted with the U.S. Justice Department’s charges, he refused to provide a direct response, asserting that his frequent travels were necessary for financial stability.