In Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Oyo State, tensions between the Laribikusi and Akalako ruling dynasties are rising 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 Monday, 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.
“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 has become 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 has 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.