A traditional ruler from Osun State, Nigeria, and a pastor have pleaded guilty to charges linked to a $4.2 million COVID-19 relief fund fraud in the United States. Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu and Edward Oluwasanmi – a clergyman, admitted their involvement in the scheme—which US prosecutors said diverted federal pandemic support into personal ventures.
Court documents revealed that Oluwasanmi obtained the funds through a network of companies; Dayspring Transportation Limited, Dayspring Holding Incorporated and Dayspring Property Incorporated but used the money for private expenses including buying commercial properties in Ohio rather than supporting legitimate business operations as required by law. Oloyede’s role was tied to the broader conspiracy—which investigators characterized as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on pandemic fund abuses.
Oluwasanmi, initially facing 13 counts including wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy, entered a guilty plea earlier this month to three charges followed by Oloyede’s own guilty plea on Monday—according to court filings. Sentencing for both men is scheduled for July 2 with potential for lengthy prison terms based on the court’s discretion.
Oloyede’s involvement has ignited particular outrage, given his royal status. The monarch, crowned in 2019, had often been absent from Ipetumodu—traveling between Nigeria and the US for extended periods under the guise of personal and royal engagements. His prolonged absences had long raised concerns among residents but it was only after his arrest was confirmed by US authorities in April 2024 that the full extent of the scandal came to light.
Investigators, led by the US Department of Transportation uncovered the fraud after months of tracking suspicious financial activities linked to pandemic relief programs.
