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?