The Laribikusi Ruling House has raised objections to the selection of Samuel Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwalan in the Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, urging Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and prevent what they describe as an attempt by powerful individuals to undermine the sacred institution of Obaship in Eruwa.

It will be recalled that Oba Adegbola was removed from the throne after ruling for 21 years, with the court ruling citing his removal as being in accordance with the provisions of the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration.

In a statement issued by Prince Segun Oke on behalf of the Laribikusi Ruling House, the family alleged that the long-standing rotation of the throne—traditionally alternating between the Akalako (female line) and Laribikusi (male line) ruling houses—has been compromised.

Prince Oke emphasized that the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration established the rotational system, which had been maintained until the passing of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan (Gbajumola II) from the Akalako ruling house in 1994.

However, he alleged that certain individuals have disregarded this tradition by shifting the nomination process back to the Akalako ruling house, thereby paving the way for the reinstatement of the deposed Oba Samuel Adegbola instead of allowing the Laribikusi ruling house to produce the next Eleruwa.

Describing the move as a “gross injustice,” Prince Oke asserted that the Laribikusi ruling house was next in line for the throne. He called on Governor Makinde to ensure adherence to the traditional selection process as outlined in the chieftaincy declaration.

The ruling house appealed to the governor to intervene and safeguard their heritage and tradition, expressing concerns over what they perceived as a violation of due process.

“The controversy has sparked concerns about the potential consequences of disregarding the established rotation of the throne.

“If left unchecked, this could lead to a disproportionate representation of the Akalako ruling house, with nine occupants of the throne compared to Laribikusi’s which has five.” (The Nation)