Days after his controversial removal, the deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has initiated legal action against Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife to halt the selection of a successor. Oloyede lost his throne following a conviction for tax fraud and money laundering in the United States, prompting him to file a motion marked suit number HIF/50/2026 to restrain state authorities from filling the vacant stool pending the resolution of the main lawsuit.
What are the main grounds of the lawsuit?
In court documents submitted on September 16, 2026, the former traditional ruler contended that the state governor and other key officials executed his dethronement without officially communicating any infractions to him beforehand. He further contested the legal validity of his dismissal, referencing a May 11, 2026, media report indicating that Adeleke had endorsed the removal directive on May 7. Oloyede insisted he remained completely unaware of any formal allegations prior to the public declaration of his sack.
The legal challenge is jointly pursued by Princes Oyewusi Adewusi, Isaac Adewuni, and Abiodun Oyetoro, who act on behalf of the Latimogun Royal Family belonging to the Aribile Ruling House. The enlisted defendants comprise Governor Adeleke, the state Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, Chief Adesoye Babalola holding the title of Malefon of Ipetumodu, and the Ife North Local Government.
Why were court proceedings delayed?
During the initial court session, judicial proceedings encountered a setback due to the failure of certain respondents to secure their mandatory hearing notices. Legal representation was limited to the claimants' attorney, O. Ogbewe, alongside Soji Oyetayo who appeared for the fifth defendant. While Ogbewe insisted that all legal documentation had been duly delivered, Oyetayo informed the bench that he lacked the hearing notice and formally applied for an adjournment.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Dapo Adeniji granted the request and postponed further hearings until January 21, 2027. The judge additionally mandated that fresh hearing notices be processed and properly served to all absent defendants to ensure compliance with fair hearing requirements.