Ipetumodu, Osun State, was thrown into chaos on Tuesday after a meeting of princes over the fate of the town’s traditional throne ended in a heated confrontation.

The dispute follows the conviction of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the 27th Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, who was sentenced in the United States to more than four years in prison for COVID-19 loan fraud. He was also ordered to forfeit assets and pay over $4.4 million in restitution.

At the meeting, Prince Olaboye Ayoola of the Aribile Ruling House called on Chief Sunday Adedeji, the most senior kingmaker, to formally notify Governor Ademola Adeleke and have the throne declared vacant.

Adedeji, however, rejected the demand, saying he would not be part of such a decision. His stance immediately sparked a shouting match among the princes, forcing the gathering to break up without any resolution. Speaking briefly to reporters, Adedeji stressed, “peace has to reign first”, before refusing further comment.

The conviction of Oba Oloyede on August 26, 2025, has deepened tensions in Ipetumodu, splitting the royal family into rival camps. While the Aribile Ruling House insists the throne should remain with them until the monarch completes his jail term, the Fagbemokun lineage argues that tradition demands the crown now pass to their family.

The Osun State government has said it will review a Certified True Copy of the U.S. court judgment before deciding the next steps on the throne’s future.

For now, uncertainty looms over Ipetumodu as its people wait to see who will wear the crown — or whether the jailed monarch will retain his title despite his conviction.