The recent sentencing of Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, Nigeria, has sent shockwaves across both Nigeria and the United States. This prominent Yoruba monarch was sentenced to more than four years in a U.S. federal prison after being found guilty of orchestrating a massive COVID-19 relief loan fraud scheme. His case is a significant and complex one, blending issues of traditional leadership, international law, and pandemic-era financial crime. Here are five crucial things you should understand about this unfolding story:

1. Who is Oba Joseph Oloyede?

Oba Joseph Oloyede is a traditional Yoruba monarch — the Apetu of Ipetumodu — a title of considerable respect in Osun State, Nigeria. Beyond his royal duties, he holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and the United States and resides in Medina, Ohio. This dual identity placed him in a unique position, straddling two very different worlds. He is also an accountant by profession, which adds a layer of complexity to the case given his understanding of finance and legal requirements. The case, therefore, doesn’t just involve a traditional ruler but also a professional who was entrusted with financial knowledge.

2. The Nature of the Crime: COVID-19 Relief Fraud

At the heart of the legal case against Oba Oloyede is a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government’s emergency loan programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the U.S. government introduced programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) to support struggling businesses. However, Oloyede, alongside his co-conspirators, submitted fraudulent loan applications, falsely claiming eligibility and submitting forged tax and wage documents.

The loans were designed to support businesses genuinely affected by the pandemic, but Oloyede exploited the system, securing millions of dollars through deceit. This scheme spanned nearly two years—from April 2020 to February 2022—and involved multiple companies registered under his control.

3. Financial Impact and Legal Consequences

The scale of the fraud is significant. Oba Oloyede was ordered by a U.S. federal judge to pay over $4.4 million in restitution. He also forfeited his Medina home in Ohio, purchased with proceeds from the fraudulent scheme, as well as an additional $96,000 seized from his fraud proceeds. The court sentenced him to 56 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his jail term.

These penalties highlight the seriousness with which U.S. authorities are treating COVID-19 relief fraud, reinforcing that abuse of public funds during a global crisis will not be tolerated, regardless of an individual’s status or nationality.

4. The Broader Scheme and Assistance to Others

The fraud was not a solitary effort. Investigations revealed that Oloyede used six registered companies, such as Available Tax Services and Available Transportation, to secure fraudulent loans. Moreover, he was accused of assisting others—co-conspirators and confederate borrowers—in executing similar schemes. He reportedly charged these associates a percentage of the fraudulently obtained loans, acting as a facilitator in a wider network of deceit.

This underscores that the case is more than just an isolated crime by one individual; it points to a broader conspiracy to exploit pandemic relief programs at a time when many businesses were struggling to survive.

5. The Implications for Nigerian Traditional Institutions and International Jurisdiction

The sentencing of a Yoruba monarch in a U.S. court raises interesting questions about the intersection of traditional authority and international legal systems. Traditionally, Yoruba monarchs hold immense cultural and social influence, and their roles are deeply embedded in Nigerian society.

However, Oba Oloyede’s dual citizenship meant he was subject to U.S. law, and the court’s decision demonstrates that holding a traditional title does not grant immunity from legal accountability, especially when crimes cross international borders. This case serves as a precedent and a warning that global citizenship carries global responsibilities, and unlawful actions in one country can lead to prosecution in another.

The story of Oba Joseph Oloyede is a cautionary tale about power, responsibility, and the consequences of exploiting systems designed to help during times of crisis. It highlights the reach of the law in combating fraud and the importance of integrity, especially when entrusted with both traditional authority and professional expertise.

As the monarch begins his prison sentence, the incident also serves as a broader reflection on how financial crimes are prosecuted internationally and the need for vigilance in safeguarding public resources. For Nigerians and the global community alike, this case emphasizes that no one is above the law — regardless of their status or title.