The sentencing of the Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, has been postponed by a U.S. federal court following a motion by his legal team to submit medical records that could influence the court’s judgment.
Oba Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, is facing a 13-count federal indictment in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio over his alleged involvement in a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.
U.S. prosecutors allege that the monarch fraudulently obtained pandemic relief funds intended for struggling American businesses by submitting falsified loan documents. He is also accused of facilitating similar fraudulent applications for others in exchange for a commission, using part of the illegally obtained funds for personal enrichment.
The monarch’s lawyer, Michael Marein, had initially requested a sentencing date of August 29 to enable him obtain and submit Oba Oloyede’s medical records, which he described as critical to the court’s consideration. However, Judge Christopher Boyko rescheduled the sentencing to August 26 instead of the previously fixed August 1.
Oba Oloyede’s prolonged absence from his traditional duties in Ipetumodu, Osun State, has sparked concerns among residents, particularly over the suspension of key cultural rites including last year’s Odun Egungun and Odun Edi festivals, traditionally led by the monarch.
The royal father’s fate now hangs in the balance, as a conviction may trigger loss of his U.S. citizenship and subsequent deportation under federal statutes which permit such revocations for non-natural-born citizens found guilty of serious crimes.
Though the court has yet to pronounce a sentence, legal experts say the possibility of a prison term and deportation remains high if convicted on multiple counts.
The developments have stirred anxiety in his hometown and within traditional institutions, where his case is viewed as both embarrassing and unprecedented for a sitting Yoruba monarch.
Oba Oloyede was first arrested in 2024 after a joint investigation by the FBI and U.S. Small Business Administration uncovered multiple fraudulent loan applications linked to his name and business entities.
The monarch’s case is part of a broader crackdown on pandemic-related financial crimes in the U.S., which saw billions of dollars lost to fraudsters exploiting emergency relief programs during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
He remains in the United States pending the new sentencing date.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
