HEDA calls for Oba Oloyede dethronement after U.S. conviction for COVID-19 fraud, urging Osun Governor Adeleke to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s image

HEDA calls for Oba Oloyede dethronement following his sentencing by a U.S. court for multimillion-dollar COVID-19 fraud.

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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is urging Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to immediately initiate the process of removing the traditional ruler to safeguard the dignity of Osun’s cultural institutions.

Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by Justice Christopher Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio to five years in prison.

He was also ordered to pay restitution of $4.4 million for fraudulently obtaining loans under U.S. pandemic relief schemes, including the Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

HEDA, in a strongly worded letter signed by its chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized that a traditional ruler convicted of financial crimes abroad cannot continue to occupy a stool of high moral and cultural significance.

“The throne is sacred. A fraud conviction severely compromises the moral standing of any traditional leader,” Suraju stated.

He added that such acts, if ignored, risk normalizing criminal conduct within institutions meant to uphold integrity and heritage.

The group warned Governor Adeleke that failure to act promptly could be interpreted as complicity or indifference.

HEDA’s call has stirred conversation across Osun, especially in light of a separate ruling involving the vacant Aree of Iree stool.

A High Court had in 2024 declared the seat vacant and ordered the government not to install Prince Muritala Oyelakin.

As legal tussles and ethical crises challenge traditional leadership across the state, many citizens are watching to see if the government will prioritize law, transparency, and cultural dignity.

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HEDA reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and supporting the promotion of accountability at every level of leadership.