Disquiet in Osun Community as Crown of Monarch Jailed in US Goes Missing
Tension grips Ipetumodu after the ancient Aare crown and royal beads mysteriously vanish shortly after Oba Joseph Oloyede the Apetu of Ipetumodu was jailed in the United States for COVID 19 relief fraud .
A troubling development has unsettled the ancient town of Ipetumodu in Osun State .The communitys ancestral crown and royal beads have gone missing just two weeks after their monarch Oba Joseph Oloyede the Apetu of Ipetumodu was sentenced in the United States for COVID 19 fraud .The disappearance has stirred anxiety among residents who now fear cultural disruptions and possible spiritual consequences .
The Disappearance of Sacred Regalia
The revered Aare crown and centuries old beads were last seen in Oba Oloyede’s private residence which has served as his palace since the demolition of the official royal court .Reports indicate that close aides and a woman connected to the monarch were involved in moving the sacred items under unclear circumstances .
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Community members describe the situation as very serious .One local leader explained that without the crown and beads the enthronement of a new monarch could face crisis .There are also fears that the deities who protect the community may be angered by the disappearance .
Monarch’s Conviction and Its Aftermath
Oba Joseph Oloyede who holds both Nigerian and United States citizenship was arrested in May 2024 along with Pastor Edward Oluwasanmi over allegations of defrauding the US government of more than 4.2 million dollars in COVID 19 relief funds .
On August 26 2025 a federal judge in Ohio sentenced the monarch to 56 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release .He was also ordered to repay about 4.4 million dollars in restitution .The conviction has left the town without its leader and with lingering questions about the future of its throne .
Community Reaction and Tensions
Ipetumodu is a town with deep royal traditions and the news has left the people shaken .Conversations in markets and homes reveal widespread concern over the missing regalia and the disgrace that has followed the monarchs conviction abroad .
The controversy has also revived old disagreements about how Oba Oloyede became king .Some princes from the Aribile ruling house argue that his enthronement ignored long standing customs .They claim that the Ifa oracle was not consulted and accuse kingmakers of letting money influence the decision .Others have expressed worry that the monarchs imprisonment has now led to the disappearance of important royal symbols .Many have called on the government to step in .
Divided Voices Kingmakers vs Royal Houses
The kingmakers led by Chief Sunday Afolabi Adedeji insist that the monarch was chosen in line with the laws of Osun State and that the Ooni of Ife was duly informed .They have said they will wait for government direction before moving ahead with any succession plans .
On the other side members of the Aribile ruling house particularly Prince Taiwo Ayoola have passed a vote of no confidence in the kingmakers .They are demanding that traditional regents manage the affairs of the community until a proper investigation is completed into the monarchs selection process .
Implications and Possible Next Steps
The twin problems of a jailed monarch and missing regalia now leave Ipetumodu in a difficult position .
There is a cultural crisis since future coronations may be seen as illegitimate without the crown and beads and there is fear of spiritual consequences .There is also a governance vacuum as the monarch is unable to lead leaving both administrative and spiritual duties unattended .The situation further highlights tensions between traditional customs and modern political laws .
Many voices in the community believe the only way forward is for the government to step in while traditional leaders also work together to restore harmony and guide the town through succession .
Conclusion
Ipetumodu stands at a crossroads .The imprisonment of Oba Joseph Oloyede in the United States and the disappearance of its sacred crown and beads at home threaten to destabilize the heritage and governance of the town .As tensions rise careful mediation and respect for tradition may be the only path to restoring peace and preserving the dignity of the throne .