By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Osun State Government has dismissed as false a viral report claiming the deposition of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu, Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede, following his conviction for COVID-19 relief fraud in the United States.

In a press statement issued in Osogbo and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olufemi Ogundun, the government said the purported release “did not emanate from the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”

“The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to a fake press release in circulation on the purported deposition of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu,” Ogundun stated.

He advised “members of the general public and particularly indigenes of Ipetumodu… to disregard the fake viral story,” stressing that no such official decision had been communicated through authorised channels.

According to the statement, the government has been engaging relevant stakeholders on the matter and is following due process.

“The State Government has had useful and meaningful consultation and dialogue with stakeholders of Ipetumodu,” Ogundun said, adding that “steps are being taken in line with the rule of law which is the cornerstone of the present administration.”

He assured that the public would be duly informed once a decision is reached.

“At the appropriate time, the general public and indigenes of Ipetumodu will be informed of the action of Government on the issue through the appropriate channels of communication,” he added.

The government reiterated its commitment to transparency and lawful procedures in handling chieftaincy matters, warning against the spread of unverified information.