Oba Joseph Oloyede, the dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has initiated legal action against Governor Ademola Adeleke, aiming to prevent the appointment of a new monarch to the stool he formerly occupied. This development follows Oloyede's conviction in the United States for fraud-related offenses, which led to his removal from the throne.

In a motion filed at the Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, Oloyede argues that he was not formally informed of any infractions that would warrant his deposition before the governor began the process to fill the vacant stool. The case, identified as suit no. HIF/50/2026, includes other claimants such as Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni, and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, representing the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.

Oloyede's legal team is seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain Governor Adeleke and other involved parties from proceeding with the appointment of a new Apetumodu until the court resolves the matter. The motion highlights that the governor allegedly issued a deposition order without a lawful basis, as reported in The Guardian on May 11, 2026.

The court proceedings faced delays due to issues with the service of hearing notices. During a recent session, only the claimants' counsel and the representative for one of the defendants were present. The claimants' lawyer, O. Ogbewe, stated that he had served the necessary documents to the defendants, while Soji Oyetayo, representing Chief Adesoye Babalola, claimed he had not received any hearing notice. Consequently, Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case to January 21, 2027, instructing that fresh notices be issued to all defendants.

Governor Adeleke's decision to depose Oloyede was reportedly influenced by the latter's conviction in the US for tax fraud and money laundering, raising questions about the legitimacy of his reign. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of the Apetumodu stool remains uncertain, with Oloyede determined to reclaim his position and challenge the governor's authority in this matter.