The deposed Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Oba Joseph Oloyede, has dragged Governor Ademola Adeleke before the Osun State High Court, seeking to stop the appointment of a successor to the vacant traditional stool.

Oloyede, who was convicted in the United States of America for offences bordering on fraud, is asking the court to restrain the governor and other officials from taking steps to fill the stool pending the determination of a substantive suit challenging his removal.

According to a report, the monarch is the second claimant in suit number HIF/50/2026, filed before the Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife. He alleged that the state government did not formally notify him of any wrongdoing before initiating the process that led to his deposition.

In a motion on notice dated September 16, 2026, Oloyede sought an interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants, their agents and representatives from appointing another person to occupy the Apetumodu stool until the court determines the substantive suit.

The former monarch also challenged the legality of the deposition order reportedly signed by Adeleke on May 7, 2026, arguing that he was not informed of any alleged infraction before the decision was made public.

Other claimants in the suit include Princes Oyewusi Adewusi, Isaac Adewuni and Abiodun Oyetoro, who instituted the action on behalf of themselves and other members of the Latimogun Royal Family of the Aribile Ruling House of Ipetumodu.

Apart from Adeleke, the defendants include the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Chief Afolabi Adedeji; the Asalu of Ipetumodu and head of the kingmakers, Chief Adesoye Babalola; the Malefon of Ipetumodu; and Ife North Local Government.

However, the hearing was stalled on Monday following a dispute over the service of hearing notices on the parties.

While counsel to the claimants, O. Ogbewe, told the court that the defendants had been served with the relevant court processes, counsel to the fifth defendant, Soji Oyetayo, informed the court that he had not received the hearing notice.

Oyetayo subsequently urged the court to adjourn the matter to enable the claimants to serve the outstanding notices on all the defendants.

In his ruling, Justice Dapo Adeniji adjourned the case until January 21, 2027, and directed that fresh hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants.

Oloyede's legal action follows the decision by the Osun State Government to depose him after his conviction in the United States on charges involving tax fraud and money laundering.

The development sets the stage for further legal proceedings over the disputed traditional stool, with the court expected to consider the claims challenging the deposition and the request to halt the appointment of a successor.