In a dramatic turn of events, the Laribikusi ruling house has vehemently rejected the installation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, citing gross irregularities and manipulation in the selection process. This development has thrown the Eruwa kingdom into a state of uncertainty, sparking concerns about the future of the monarchy and the potential consequences of disregarding the established traditions of the kingdom.
The Laribikusi ruling house has expressed strong objections to the installation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, alleging that the process was manipulated to favor the Akalako ruling house. In a press conference held today at Dapo Aderogba Hall, press center of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, members of the Laribikusi ruling house claimed that the government failed to follow due process in the selection of the new monarch.
According to the Laribikusi ruling house, the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958 recognizes two ruling houses, Laribikusi and Akalako, with the throne rotating between them. The house maintained that it was their turn to produce the next Eleruwa, but the government allegedly denied them the opportunity. This denial, they claimed, was a clear violation of the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958, which has been the guiding document for the selection of the Eleruwa of Eruwa.
The Laribikusi ruling house also disputed the claim by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, that they were unable to present candidates within the 14-day notice period given by the government. They challenged the chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government, Kazeem Arogundade, to produce evidence of the 14-day nomination notice and their acknowledgement of it. This challenge, they emphasized, was necessary to clear the air and set the records straight.
The house further alleged that the local government chairman truncated the nomination process, which never commenced, and instead shifted the process back to the Akalako ruling house. They claimed that this was a premeditated agenda to install a preferred candidate, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, who was presented with the staff of office on March 6, 2025. This action, they argued, was a clear disregard for the rule of law and the traditions of the Eruwa people.
The Laribikusi ruling house presented documents, including a letter dated December 20, 2024, conveying their readiness to present the eldest member of their house to the local government. However, they received a letter dated December 30, 2024, stating that the local government had compiled a report of the “unsuccessful meetings” with the Laribikusi ruling house and forwarded it to the state government for further directives.
The house demanded explanations for the “unsuccessful meeting” and questioned the government’s decision to shift the nomination process back to the Akalako ruling house. They urged the government to adhere to the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958 and recognize their right to produce the next Eleruwa. This, they argued, was necessary to maintain peace and stability in Eruwa and to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Laribikusi ruling house also expressed disappointment with the role played by the local government chairman, Kazeem Arogundade, in the entire process. They accused him of bias and of working to undermine the interests of the Laribikusi ruling house. This, they claimed, was evident in the way he handled the nomination process and his failure to provide them with the necessary notice and documentation.
The house called on the state government to intervene in the matter and to ensure that justice was served. They urged the government to set aside the installation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola and to commence a fresh process that would be fair and transparent. This, they argued, was necessary to maintain the integrity of the Eleruwa throne and to prevent a crisis of confidence in the government.
The Laribikusi ruling house also appealed to the people of Eruwa to remain calm and peaceful, despite the provocation. They urged them to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to allow the government to address the issue. This, they argued, was necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to maintain peace and stability in Eruwa.
In conclusion, the Laribikusi ruling house reiterated their rejection of the installation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa. They maintained that the process was flawed and that the government had failed to follow due process. They called on the government to intervene and to ensure that justice was served.
The press conference was attended by members of the Laribikusi ruling house, journalists, and other stakeholders. The house presented documents and evidence to support their claims and answered questions from journalists.
The Laribikusi ruling house has vehemently rejected the installation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, citing manipulation and disregard for tradition. They claim the government failed to follow due process, violating the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration of 1958, which rotates the throne between the Laribikusi and Akalako ruling houses.
The house alleges the local government chairman, Kazeem Arogundade, truncated the nomination process and shifted it back to the Akalako ruling house, paving the way for Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola’s installation. They argue this was a premeditated agenda to install a preferred candidate, disregarding the rule of law and Eruwa traditions.
The Laribikusi ruling house presented documents, including a letter dated December 20, 2024, conveying their readiness to present their candidate. However, they received a letter stating the local government had compiled a report of “unsuccessful meetings” and forwarded it to the state government.
The house demands explanations for the “unsuccessful meeting” and questions the government’s decision to shift the nomination process. They urge the government to adhere to the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration and recognize their right to produce the next Eleruwa.
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.
The Laribikusi ruling house appeals to Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and prevent powerful individuals from violating the sacred institution of Obaship in Eruwa. They seek the governor’s assistance in stopping what they perceive as a violation of their heritage and tradition.
