News
Oyo: Makinde Reappoints Prince Adegbola as Eleruwa Amid Controversy
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has approved the reappointment of Prince Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, according to a statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Mega Icon Magazine recalled that the Eleruwa stool has remained vacant since November 2019, when the Supreme Court dethroned Oba Adegbola.
The ruling found that his ascension was inconsistent with the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration, thereby ending his 21-year reign. This decision left the community in a state of uncertainty and opened the door for renewed debate over traditional leadership in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Selection Process and Government’s Justification
The selection process for a new Eleruwa commenced after the Laribikusi Ruling House, which had been entangled in internal disputes, appointed Chief Dejo Akinlade as its head.
The recent reappointment of Prince Adegbola has ignited controversy within the Eruwa community.
However, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, claimed that the Laribikusi Ruling Quarters failed to present a candidate within the stipulated timeframe, as outlined in Section 15(1) of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 of Oyo State.
Consequently, the Akalako Ruling House was recognised as the next eligible ruling house to nominate a candidate.
It was further claimed that after a selection process conducted by the Kingmakers of Eruwa, Prince Adebayo Adegbola from the Akalako Ruling House was unanimously chosen as the sole candidate to ascend the throne.
Opposition from Laribikusi Ruling House
However, the selection has not been without controversy. The Laribikusi Ruling House has openly rejected Prince Adegbola’s appointment, alleging that powerful individuals are attempting to manipulate the selection process.
The family insists that it remains the rightful ruling house to produce the next Eleruwa, in line with the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration and the Supreme Court ruling that removed the former Oba, the same Prince Adegbola. They have called on Governor Makinde to intervene to prevent what they describe as a violation of the town’s traditional institution.
Some indigenes and stakeholders within the community have also expressed concerns, urging the government to tread carefully to avoid deepening divisions in the town.
Traditional leadership tussles have historically led to prolonged legal battles and community unrest in some parts of Oyo State, and many residents are calling for dialogue to ensure peace and unity in Eruwa.
Government’s Stance and Call for Unity
Despite the brewing dissent, the government maintains that due process was meticulously followed in the reappointment. Commissioner Oyelade claimed that the decision was made in line with due process and that the appointment of Prince Adegbola aligns with the Governor Makinde administration’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions in Oyo State. He noted that with this appointment, the state government has now successfully coronated 11 Kings and 40 Baales, setting a record in Yoruba traditional history.
Commissioner Ojo has also called on all Eruwa sons and daughters to embrace the new Eleruwa, urging them to support his leadership for the peace, unity, and development of the town.
What’s Next?
With Prince Adebayo Adegbola’s formal coronation on the horizon, the focus now shifts to how the concerns raised by the Laribikusi Ruling House will be addressed. Will the government engage the aggrieved parties to ensure an amicable resolution, or will the controversy lead to fresh legal battles—adding to the existing litigation following Governor Makinde’s declaration of Prince Adegbola as the new Eleruwa?
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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