Indigenes of Eruwa in the Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State are rallying to clarify that Governor Seyi Makinde is not involved in the selection process for a new Eleruwa, contrary to recent claims made by Chief Joseph Peluola, Chairman of the Eruwa Council of Elders.
The group expressed their concerns following Peluola’s remarks during a radio program, where he suggested that Governor Makinde was interfering in the appointment of the new traditional ruler.
In response, the indigenes emphasized that the state government has yet to issue any official statement regarding the selection, as the kingmakers only submitted the name of the new Eleruwa to the state government on Thursday.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Olalekan Idowu and shared with journalists on Saturday, the group expressed dismay over what they described as Chief Peluola’s misrepresentation of the government’s and kingmakers’ efforts in selecting the new Oba.
“The truth is that the Oyo State Government has asked the Akalako ruling house to present their princes to the Eruwa kingmakers for their selection,” the statement read.
“Eighteen princes submitted their names through their families, and the Oyo State Government fulfilled its role by witnessing the selection process in accordance with local government administration laws.
“The group pointed out that the kingmakers’ decision remains confidential between them and the state government.
They noted the nomination of former Kabiyesi Oba Adegbola, a candidate from the Olurin royal family within the Akalako ruling house, as a normal and legitimate part of the selection process.
Moreover, the statement criticized Chief Peluola’s suggestion that candidates should queue for interviews with the kingmakers, calling it “most unthinkable and unexpected” given his experience with local customs.
The indigenes affirmed their commitment to the integrity of the selection process, stating, “As stakeholders in Eruwa’s development, we have not observed or witnessed any compromise in the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration or under the Oyo State Chiefs laws throughout the ongoing process.”