The Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, and a Nigerian pastor, Edward Oluwasanmi, are currently facing possible prison sentences in the United States after pleading guilty to charges related to multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud.
Oba Oloyede, a U.S.-based accountant and IT expert before ascending the throne in July 2019, was arrested alongside Pastor Oluwasanmi in early 2024. Both men were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and other related offences after being accused of fraudulently securing $4.2 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
According to U.S. court documents, the duo submitted false applications under the Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) between April 2020 and February 2022. The funds, meant to assist small businesses affected by the pandemic, were allegedly accessed using fake tax records and employee information.
Oba Oloyede reportedly used several of his companies — including Available Tax Services Incorporated, Available Financial Corporation, and Available Transportation Company — to facilitate the fraud. Similarly, Oluwasanmi was said to have used Dayspring Transportation Limited, Dayspring Holding Incorporated, and Dayspring Property Incorporated to siphon funds for personal use.
The case, presided over by Justice Christopher Boyko of the U.S. District Court in Ohio, revealed that the two men collectively obtained $3.76 million fraudulently from the relief scheme.
Oluwasanmi, through his lawyer, entered a guilty plea to counts 1, 11, and 12 on April 10. He was accused of using the illegal proceeds to purchase commercial property in South Euclid, Ohio, and fund company accounts. His sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
Oba Oloyede also submitted a guilty plea on April 21, with a hearing on the plea held on April 24.
The development has sparked concern in Ipetumodu, where community leaders and residents are demanding action from the Osun State Government. The monarch’s prolonged absence — compounded by reports that he demolished the town’s palace before travelling with a promise to rebuild it — has stirred fresh calls for investigation and possible intervention.
Residents say the matter has brought embarrassment to the town and called for clarity on the traditional ruler’s future.
