The Government of Osun State has formally announced its intention to launch an investigation into allegations of fraud involving the traditional ruler of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, following reports of his alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fund fraud in the United States.
According to verified international reports, Oba Oloyede, who is also known as a pastor in the U.S., has pleaded guilty to charges related to the fraudulent acquisition of over $4.2 million in pandemic relief funds intended to support struggling businesses during the height of the global COVID-19 crisis.
In a statement released through the Office of the Governor, the Osun State Government expressed deep concern over the monarch’s reported criminal conduct and emphasized that such actions, if proven, stand in stark contrast to the values of integrity and public service expected from custodians of tradition and culture.
“The Osun State Government takes these allegations seriously and will not hesitate to probe any traditional ruler found to have engaged in activities that tarnish the reputation of our state or bring the royal institution into disrepute,” the statement read.
The government reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the dignity of the state’s traditional institutions. It assured citizens that appropriate steps will be taken based on the outcome of both the international and local investigations.