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Tension is mounting in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, as princes from the two ruling houses are set to meet on Tuesday to deliberate on the future of the Apetumodu stool following the conviction of Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede in the United States.
The embattled monarch was recently sentenced to four years in prison by a U.S. court for his role in a COVID-19 loan fraud, a development that has thrown the town into uncertainty.
Findings show that the Akinbile Ruling House, which produced Oba Oloyede, and the Fagbemokun Ruling House, are sharply divided on the way forward.
Some princes from Akinbile insist that the throne should remain with their family since the convicted monarch did not reign for long, while others are pushing for the enthronement of another candidate from those who initially contested against Oba Oloyede.
On the other hand, princes from Fagbemokun maintain that the stool must return to their side, arguing that the Akinbile lineage has already taken its turn.
A prince from the Akinbile family, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, admitted that the situation had created multiple camps and heightened suspicion among the royal families.
“There is apprehension already. People are displeased that no concrete position has been taken. We can only hope Tuesday’s meeting will not be disrupted,” he said.
The meeting, expected to be chaired by the Asalu of Ipetumodu, Chief Sunday Adedeji, will hold at the Apetumodu’s palace. It is a regular monthly gathering of princes, but this edition is anticipated to be stormy as the issue of succession is expected to dominate discussions.
Confirming the meeting, Prince Olaboye Ayoola of Akinbile Ruling House said: “There will be a meeting of princes on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m., and it will focus on the issue of Oba Oloyede and the next line of action.”
The Secretary of the Fagbemokun Ruling House, Prince Sunday Taiwo, also disclosed that his family had earlier met to deliberate on maintaining peace within their ranks ahead of the Tuesday gathering.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine the next chapter in the unfolding battle for the Apetumodu stool.
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