The Laribikusi Ruling House in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Council of Oyo State, has criticised the selection of Samuel Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwaland, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene to prevent a perceived violation of the town’s chieftaincy tradition.

Oba Adegbola, who was removed after spending 21 years on the throne, was sacked following a court judgement that aligned 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 established rotation of the throne between the Akalako (female line) and Laribikusi (male line) ruling houses had been compromised.

According to Oke, the 1958 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration instituted the rotational arrangement, which was respected until the passing of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan (Gbajumola II) from the Akalako Ruling House in 1994.

He claimed that some powerful individuals disregarded this arrangement by shifting the nomination process back to the Akalako Ruling House, paving the way for the reinstatement of the deposed Oba Adegbola instead of allowing the Laribikusi Ruling House to produce the next Eleruwa.

Describing the move as a gross injustice, Oke urged Governor Makinde to ensure that due process is followed as stipulated in the chieftaincy declaration. He added that the family is seeking the governor’s assistance to uphold their heritage and tradition.

“The controversy has raised concerns about the potential consequences of ignoring the established rotation of the throne. If left unchecked, this could lead to disproportionate representation, with the Akalako Ruling House producing nine occupants of the throne compared to the Laribikusi’s five,” he stated.