The Kingmakers of Eruwa convened and unanimously selected Prince Adebayo Adegbola from the Akalako Ruling House as the sole candidate to fill the vacant stool of Eruwa.
This appointment of Prince Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa land has been approved by Engr. Seyi Makinde, who is the Governor of Oyo State.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, recently issued a statement in which he stated this information.
Prince Dotun Oyelade, Honorable Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Oyo State, e-signed this document on March 4, 2025.
It reads, “According to a document by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, the stool of Eleruwa has remained vacant following recent legal proceedings, specifically the dismissal of Suit No. HER/10/23 by the High Court of Oyo State on October 22, 2024.
“In response to the circumstances surrounding the succession, I would like to remind everyone that the Laribikusi Ruling Quarters were unable to submit candidates within the stipulated timeframe as stipulated in Section 15(1) of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 of Oyo State.” Hon. Ademola Ojo said.
“Consequently, after due consideration, the esteemed discretion of His Excellency facilitated the Akalako Ruling House to be recognized as the next ruling quarters to nominate candidates.”
“According to the release, after a thorough selection process, the Kingmakers of Eruwa convened and unanimously selected Prince Adebayo Adegbola from the Akalako Ruling House as the sole candidate to fill the vacant stool of Eruwa.
Prince oyelade said that, “The last Eleruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola was installed in 1998 but deposed on the 29th of November, 2019, by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“The Commissioner noted that with the emergence of Prince Adegbola, the Seyi Makinde administration has now coronated 11 Kings and 40 Baales which is a record in the history of yoruba Traditional Institution.
“The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo seizes this occasion to call on all Eruwa sons and daughters to welcome the new Eleruwa and celebrate his ascension to the throne for the growth and prosperity of Eruwa land after 22 years.
CLASH OF TWO RULING HOUSES OVER ELERUWA
- In Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, tensions between the Laribikusi and Akalako ruling dynasties increased as they compete for control of the next Eleruwa.There was no deadline for presenting a family head, which is an important stage in the succession process, according to the Laribikusi Ruling House.
- In a letter handed to Kareem Arogungade, the local government, on 13th of January 2025, the proclamation was made during the ceremonial presentation of their family head, Pa Dejo Akinlade.
- The chairman’s personal assistant, Lukman Akintola, received the letter and accepted the family’s request.
- Pa Akinlade strongly denied in the document that there was a purported deadline for delivering the family head, highlighting that the Laribikusi family had fulfilled all requirements specified in the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration.
- It reads, “The appointment of the Family Head is a prerequisite for moving forward. Once the Family Head is appointed, this letter will be sent to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for approval.
- “Following this, we will be instructed to submit names of candidates for the position of Eleruwa,” Pa Akinlade declared.
- In order to choose candidates for the throne, the Family Head called an expanded family meeting, according to Pa Akinlade. He noted that talks about a 14-day ultimatum are premature and expressed surprise and confusion at the focus on the family head’s selection at this point.
- “The issue of the 14 days can only arise after the selection of the Family Head. It is perplexing that we are discussing the Family Head’s role when the family has not even submitted a name,” he stated.
- According to the chieftaincy declaration, the Laribikusi family is one of two governing houses that have the right to the throne, along with the Akalako family.
- The scenario became more complex as both dynasties compete to install a new king following the Supreme Court’s 2019 decision to depose Oba Samuel Adegbola, the immediate-past Eleruwa.
- The Laribikusi family’s secretary, Prince Ijaola Adeseun, responded to rumors that a 14-day deadline for presenting the family head had passed in a linked statement.
- He denied these allegations, stating that in order to increase openness in the appointment process, the local government chairman has called another meeting for January 16, 2025.
- The Laribikusi family formally urged Governor Seyi Makinde to guarantee a fair and transparent selection process for the next Eleruwa in an effort to reduce escalating tensions and facilitate a seamless handover of power.
Eleruwa of Eruwa Selection
IREPORT247NEW recall that the Ancient town of Eruwa in Ibarapa area of Oyo State, Nigeria, has selected a new traditional ruler, almost six years after the Supreme Court removed Oba Samuel Adegbola from the position .
The decision was made by the town’s kingmakers, who unanimously chose one of the 18 contenders ( name withheld ) after a two-hour deliberation.
Interestingly, the chosen candidate’s name was forwarded to the Oyo State government for necessary action.
It’s worth noting that the selection process was a long time coming, as Oba Adegbola’s removal was a result of a Supreme Court ruling in 2019, which found that his installation in 1998 was not in line with the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration .
Meanwhile, reactions have been trailing the announcement of the Eruwa kingmakers. Both praises and condemnation is being expressed concerning the selection process.
Recall that Oba Adegbola’s removal was as a result of a Supreme Court ruling in 2019, with specific instructions.
However, some stakeholders and indigenes of the town have expressed their reservation to the kingmakers decision.