The ancient crown and royal beads from the palace of the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government of Osun State have disappeared.
This development comes barely two weeks after a U.S. District Judge, Christopher A. Boyko, sentenced Oba Joseph Oloyede to 56 months imprisonment over $4.2million COVID-19 fraud.
The disappearance of the ancient Aare crown and royal beads has been linked to aides and loyalists of the monarch, who, according to sources, allegedly ordered the removal of the items from the palace.
According to The Nation, the ancient crown and royal beads have disappeared from his house, which doubles as a palace.
He had demolished the ancient palace and moved all the paraphernalia of the stool to his home.
The aforementioned publication gathered that a woman and some of his aides were tasked to evacuate the crown and beads.
“The disappearance of the items portends a grave dilemma for this town whenever the need arises for enthronement of a new monarch to replace Oloyede,” a chieftain from one of the leading ruling houses said.
He said, “The crown is missing and the mastermind has no idea of what they are doing and the backlash on our town; they are looking for the fury of the deities of this great ancient community and it will be in their best interest to return the crown and royal bead before it’s too late.”
Oba Oloyede, who holds dual Nigerian and American citizenship, was arrested in May 2025 in the US, alongside one Pastor Edward.
Oloyede’s conviction has stirred calls for his replacement among princes and ruling houses jostling for the throne.
When the publication visited Ipetumodu during the week, the once-bustling community was palpably tense.
Although economic life continues with no disruption, the atmosphere was heavy with disappointment and uncertainty in the community, noted for a rich royal heritage and traditional leadership.
Streets and markets were abuzz with commercial activities amid hushed conversations, as residents weighed the shame and embarrassment against their loyalty to the revered stool.
