₦airaland Forum

Tension is mounting in Ipetumodu, the headquarters of Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, following the mysterious disappearance of sacred regalia belonging to the Apetu stool, barely two weeks after its occupant, Oba Joseph Oloyede, was sentenced to prison in the United States for COVID-19 fraud.

The missing artefacts include the revered Aare crown and a collection of ancient royal beads, symbols that embody centuries of Ipetumodu’s royal heritage.

Sources within the community allege that aides and close associates of the embattled monarch were involved in the evacuation of the regalia from his private residence, which has served as the temporary palace since the demolition of the original royal court.


A respected chieftain from one of the ruling houses expressed deep concern about the implications for the town’s future.

“The crown is gone, and those behind its disappearance may not understand the consequences. Without the crown and beads, the enthronement of a new monarch could be plunged into crisis.

“More importantly, they risk provoking the wrath of the deities that guard this community,” he warned, urging those responsible to return the items before “it becomes too late.”


The development comes on the heels of Oba Oloyede’s conviction in the United States. The monarch, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, was arrested in May 2025 alongside Pastor Edward Oluwasanmi.

DAILY POST recalls that earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko sentenced Oloyede to 56 months in prison for his role in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.

Community elders fear that the twin crises, the monarch’s imprisonment abroad and the disappearance of sacred regalia at home, could leave Ipetumodu in a spiritual and cultural dilemma, particularly in succession matters.

Amotolongbo:
When you sold the throne to the highest bidder in dollars, what else would you expect to happen?

After awarding the security contract to your home to a thief, you come out lamenting the disappearance of your treasure.

rinzaugustine:
Imagine people that have their Obas going on routine shifts on years long prison terms in western nations telling you they are well brought up and respectful because they prostrate for their parents and Obas …. no be madness be that?

Bankowner:
Ọba wants to come back to his throne straight from prison.

A convict in the West but a king in Nigeria!!!

Who do us this kain thing?!!!

SeeWahala:
My brother the matter taya me to oo

Worst is that apart from this crook of an oba, there are still 3 current sitting state governors from their zone that were once convicted of crimes in the abroad and they escaped back home to contest in politics and these same people you speak of voted them in to become their leaders

It's like a major criteria for leadership in that their side is for the person to be an ex convict

SeeWahala:
My brother the matter taya me to oo

Worst is that apart from this crook of an oba, there are still 3 current sitting state governors from their zone that were once convicted of crimes in the abroad and they escaped back home to contest in politics and these same people you speak of voted them in to become their leaders

It's like a major criteria for leadership in that their side is for the person to be an ex convict

Bobloco:
https://dailypost.ng/2025/09/06/tension-in-osun-as-royal-crown-beads-disappear-after-monarchs-us-jail-term/