Kingmakers in Ipetumodu, Osun State, clashed on Tuesday over a call to dethrone the Apetumodu, Oba Joseph Oloyede, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the United States for COVID-19 loan fraud.
Oba Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu, was sentenced to over four years in prison and ordered to forfeit assets while paying more than $4.4 million in restitution.
The meeting, held at the palace and presided over by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Sunday Adedeji, began at 4 p.m. Tensions rose when a prince demanded that Adedeji, as the most senior surviving kingmaker, formally write to Governor Ademola Adeleke declaring the throne vacant.
Adedeji refused to act on the demand, sparking a heated argument among attendees that led to the meeting breaking down around 6 p.m.
Olaboye Ayoola, a prince from the Aribile Ruling House, said: “During the meeting, we all decided that two new kingmakers should be elected to replace the deceased ones and a letter written to the governor declaring the seat vacant. But Chief Adedeji refused, insisting we won’t do that. He also announced he was no longer interested in being a kingmaker. That led to chaos, and the meeting ended without any resolution.”
When reached after the meeting, Adedeji confirmed his stance, saying: “It is true. Peace has to reign first.”