Ipetumodu leaders dismiss allegations against the monarch, affirming peace, community support, and progress amid palace reconstruction efforts

The Council of Traditional Chiefs in Ipetumodu, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, alongside the Ipetumodu Progressive Union (IPU) and the town’s residents, has strongly condemned recent media publications targeting His Royal Highness, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba (Prof.) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, Latimogun I.

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In a statement signed by Dr Israel Akinjogbin, President of IPU, the town’s leadership described the reports as a “hatchet job” orchestrated by a few disgruntled individuals intent on ridiculing and tarnishing the reputation of the monarch.

The statement clarified that these individuals had failed to accept the outcome of the traditional selection process that led to Oba Oloyede’s coronation over four years ago.

The IPU acknowledged that succession disputes are common in royal transitions but emphasised that, in progressive societies, once a king is chosen and crowned, all parties usually rally around him for the town’s development.

However, a small faction of former contenders has refused to move on, choosing instead to spread misleading narratives in the media.

Refuting the allegations, the statement outlined key facts regarding the administration of Ipetumodu under Oba Oloyede. It dismissed claims that the Apetumodu had been incommunicado, stating that he regularly engages with the town’s elders and stakeholders.

Notably, during the Annual Prayer organised by the Ipetumodu Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria on 11 January 2025, the monarch interacted with residents via Zoom, addressing their concerns and offering prayers.

The statement also asserted that there is no tension in the town, apart from the isolated grievances of a few individuals. It described Ipetumodu as peaceful, with its youth and wider community firmly supporting the king.

Furthermore, it rejected allegations that traditional chiefs had stopped attending meetings at the palace.

According to the IPU, apart from two chiefs unable to participate due to health issues, all other chiefs have been actively attending their regular sessions at the palace’s Chiefs’ Hall.

On the subject of palace renovation, the statement clarified that the reconstruction of the monarch’s residence began in 2021 with the full backing of the community and the traditional council.

The decision to demolish the old palace was due to its deteriorating state, which made it impossible to remodel into a modern structure. Two out of the three planned phases of the new palace have already been completed.

Addressing concerns about traditional festivals, the IPU affirmed that all annual cultural activities have continued without disruption and have even attracted increased participation from residents and tourists.

The town’s leadership urged the public to disregard negative reports from those they described as “disgruntled elements” with selfish motives.

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They reaffirmed their commitment to the collective progress of Ipetumodu and the unwavering support of the Apetumodu’s reign.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.