Council of Traditional Chiefs in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, as well as Ipetumodu Progressive Union (IPU), yesterday noted that there was no tension in the community as being insinuated by community detractors over Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu which has been causing ripples in his domain.

The traditional ruler was allegedly taken into custody by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after being indicted for indicted for conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering

In a statement by Dr. Israel Akinjogbin, the President, Ipetumodu Progressive Union noted that there was no tension of whatever type in Ipetumodu, saying the community was at peace.

The president, who also denied that traditional chiefs have refused to go to the palace, said it was a shameless lie from the pit of hell.

He also denied the fact that Ipetumodu has remained incommunicado but noted that he has been communicating regularly with the Elders and other stakeholders in the town. In particular, he has always been in touch with the Traditional Chiefs in their regular weekly meetings.


According to him, “The hatchet job was done by some few unknown disgruntled individuals from the town. Their objective is obviously to ridicule and denigrate the personality of His Royal Highness, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba ( Prof.) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede.

“It is not only in Ipetumodu that bitter contests usually follow the succession processes after the death of a reigning Oba. But, in most progressive environments, after the selection, approval and coronation of one of the Princes as the succeeding Oba, swords would be sheathed and all other contestants, including their die-hard supporters, will rally around the chosen Oba in the task of socio-economic and infrastructural development of the town.

“It is disheartening that while all other co-contestants for the stool of Apetimodu had since moved on with their individual lives and have been supporting Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede in the task of the obvious development being currently witnessed in Ipetumodu, very minute co-contestants had remained implacable and had refused to forgive the Kabiyesi for the “sins of being chosen by merit” by the Kingmakers.”

“Over four years after his coronation, and despite his conscious efforts at initiating and sustaining genuine reconciliation with them, the co-contestants, like the proverbial punch-drunk boxer, started throwing aimless blows towards the direction of the revered Kabiyesi.”

During the Annual Prayer organised by the Ipetumodu Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, on January 11, 2025, Kabiyesi had an interactive session via Zoom, with all residents of Ipetumodu.

He prayed for and answered questions from the community and explained why he was yet to be around.


https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/02/22/council-of-chief-back-embattled-traditional-ruler-oloyede/