The mysterious disappearance of Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has left residents and community leaders deeply concerned. The monarch, who is also a US-based accountant and information systems expert, has not been seen in his domain since March 2024, fueling rumors about his whereabouts and well-being.
Oba Oloyede, who was crowned in July 2019, has been known to frequently travel between Nigeria and the United States. However, his prolonged absence has raised questions, with some residents speculating that he may be facing legal troubles abroad. A chief in Ipetumodu, who spoke anonymously, noted that the monarch has missed critical community events, including major festivals like Odun Egungun, Odun Edi, and Ota Aaje, which are traditionally presided over by the king.
“It’s been close to a year since we last saw our king,” the chief said. “During the last Christian annual prayer, we were told he would return by January, but it’s now February, and he is still not here. We only saw a projection of him on a screen, but his face was not clear.”
The chief also revealed that before his disappearance, Oba Oloyede demolished the ancient palace, promising to build a modern one. However, the project remains incomplete, and the absence of the monarch has left the community in disarray. “Some chiefs still hold meetings at the palace, but many of us have stopped attending,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports from the United States suggest that a man named Joseph Oloyede, aged 61, is facing trial for allegedly defrauding the US government of $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds. The defendant, who shares the same name and age as the Osun monarch, is accused of using fake businesses to obtain loans from the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Although the charges do not explicitly mention the monarch’s full name or title, investigations reveal striking similarities between the two individuals. The Oloyede on trial is linked to Cleveland, Ohio, where the monarch once worked as an assistant professor of accounting. Additionally, the defendant owns a tax consulting business, Available Tax Services, which matches the description of a company advertised by the monarch on his LinkedIn profile.
When contacted by PUNCH, Oba Oloyede denied the allegations, stating, “Not everything you see on the internet should be believed. There are many enemies who do not want the progress of my community.” He also dismissed claims of his absence, saying, “I am not on the deathbed. I am the one you are speaking to now.”
Despite his assurances, the community remains uneasy. Residents are calling on the Osun State government to intervene and clarify the monarch’s situation. “We need our king back,” a resident said. “His absence is affecting the peace and progress of our town.”
