The disappearance of sacred royal regalia from the palace of the Apetu of Ipetumodu has thrown the ancient town in Osun State into confusion, barely two weeks after a U.S. court sentenced Oba Joseph Oloyede to 56 months in prison over a $4.2 million COVID-19 fraud.
The missing items — the revered Aare crown and royal beads — were allegedly removed from the monarch’s residence, which doubled as the palace after he demolished the original structure. Sources claimed some aides and loyalists of Oba Oloyede oversaw the evacuation, sparking fears of a spiritual and cultural crisis.
A chieftain from one of the ruling houses warned: “The disappearance of the crown portends a grave dilemma for this town. Whoever masterminded this is courting the fury of our deities. They must return the regalia before it’s too late.”
The development comes amid growing calls for Oloyede’s replacement following his conviction in the U.S., a move that has deepened divisions among the town’s two ruling houses — Aribile and Fagbemokun.
Prince Olaboye Ayoola of the Aribile ruling house faulted Oloyede’s emergence in 2019, alleging that no traditional rites were performed and that the monarch was installed in breach of custom. “Our disgrace is a judgment from God and our angry deities. Tradition was sidelined, and we are now paying the price,” he said.
Similarly, another prince, Adewuyi Oyerinde of the Fagbemokun ruling house, lamented the disappearance of the regalia, urging government intervention. “Four kings have ruled Ipetumodu since I was born, but none ever emerged like Oloyede. Now he is jailed, and our sacred crowns are gone. Government should help us.”
However, the kingmakers, led by Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Afolabi Adedeji, defended the late monarch’s installation, insisting due process was followed in line with Osun State’s Chieftaincy Law and with the consent of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
They cautioned against rushing the enthronement process, stressing that the state government must first obtain a certified copy of Oloyede’s conviction.
Meanwhile, the Aribile ruling house has passed a vote of no confidence in the kingmakers, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke to disband them and appoint warrant chiefs to oversee the emergence of a new king. They also called for the appointment of a regent to calm rising tension in the community.
Despite the controversy, normal commercial activities continue in Ipetumodu, though the once-proud town remains shrouded in hushed conversations, uncertainty, and disappointment over its tainted throne.
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