The dethroned Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has dragged Governor Ademola Adeleke before an Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife, seeking to stop the appointment of a new monarch.
Oloyede, who was removed following his conviction in the United States over tax fraud and money laundering, filed a motion in suit number HIF/50/2026, asking the court to restrain Adeleke and other officials from filling the stool until the substantive case is determined.
In his application dated September 16, 2026, the former monarch argued that the governor and relevant officials did not formally inform him of any wrongdoing before proceeding with his removal.
He also challenged the legality of his deposition, referring to a May 11, 2026, publication by The Guardian, which reported that Adeleke had signed the removal order on May 7. He maintained that he was never informed of any alleged offence before the announcement.
Other claimants include Prince Oyewusi Adewusi, Prince Isaac Adewuni and Prince Abiodun Oyetoro, representing members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House.
The defendants include Adeleke, the state Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Afolabi Adedeji, Chief Adesoye Babalola, the Malefon of Ipetumodu and Ife North Local Government.
However, the hearing was stalled on Monday because some defendants had not received their hearing notices.
Only the claimants’ lawyer, O. Ogbewe, and counsel for the fifth defendant, Soji Oyetayo, appeared in court. While Ogbewe said the court processes had been served, Oyetayo told the court he had not received the hearing notice and requested an adjournment.
Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case until January 21, 2027, and ordered that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.
