Eruwa ruling house rejects Oba’s ‘re-coronation’

Members of Laribikusi Ruling House in Eruwa, in the Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State have dissociated themselves from the “re-coronation” of Oba Samuel Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa.

This was contained in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday.

The statement was jointly signed by the Head of Omoni Quarter, Prince Raimi Salawu; Secretary, Ajao Quarter, Prince Lamidi Ojuolape; Head of Sabi Quarter, Prince Emmanuel Adeyemi; Head of Agbaaragba Quarter, Prince Adebayo Adeleke and Secretary, Laribikusi Ruling House, Prince Ijaola Adeseun, respectively.

The news  reports that Governor Seyi Makinde had, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, presented the staff of office and instruments of appointment to the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, after the State Executive Council ratified his appointment.

His ascension to the throne comes after Eruwa remained without a monarch for over five years, following his removal in 2019 by a Supreme Court ruling.

However, Laribikusi ruling house explained that Oba Adegbola deprived the ruling house of its rightful turn to occupy the throne.

It further disclosed that there is no Ajobo or Akindele royal lineages in the Eruwa royal family.

The statement said, “He (Adegbola) occupied it for 21 years. He claimed to be a rightful heir to the revered throne until he was removed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the November 29, 2019.

“We, members of Laribikusi ruling house dissociate ourselves from the purported “re-coronation” of Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa.

“Unfortunately, the remnants of the forces that imposed him on Eruwa people in1994 still prevailed on the current political powers in the state to return him back to the throne with the help of his hand-picked kingmakers headed by Odofin Olatunji Oladiran.

“In his first inglorious reign as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, he bore the title “Akindele I.” Again, in his usual characteristic manner, upon his return by the State Government, he titled himself “Ajobo Olurin I.”

“We want to state categorically that there is no Ajobo or Akindele royal lineages in the Eruwa Royal Family. The last Olurin that reigned in Eruwa was Oba Adegboye, Olurin IV (1947–1959). With his “Ajobo” title, Adegbola has confirmed the historical fact that his great grandfather was settler from Igbo-Ora.

“We, members of royal family in Eruwa (“Awa Omo Oba Ilu Eruwa”) can authoritatively state that Ajobo is not a royal lineage in Eruwa.

“We want the whole world to know that we are not a party to any arrangement that seeks to impose a settler from Igbo-Ora on Eruwa town as our Oba.

This action is an affront to the traditions and customs of Eruwa people, and we will not recognise or legitimise it in any way.”

It, therefore, implored the people of the ancient town to maintain law and order and conduct themselves in peaceful manner, promising to seek justice at appropriate time.

“We will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Eruwa town and its people, and to ensure that the traditional institutions are respected and preserved in accordance with our customs and traditions.

“We will seek justice for ourselves and our ancestors. No matter how long it takes, victory is assured, and justice will prevail.” Laribikusi ruling house added.