The Laribikusi Ruling House of Eruwa, in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, has rejected the reappointment of deposed monarch, Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, condemning the state government’s decision.
In a statement signed by Prince Olusegun Adewale Oke, the ruling house expressed shock over Adegbola’s reinstatement, describing it as a ploy to return him to the throne through the back door.
The statement noted that this move culminated in the March 6, 2025, presentation of the staff of office to Adegbola by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Governor Makinde had recently handed Adegbola the staff and certificate of office, officially recognizing him as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa.
However, the ruling house pointed out that Adegbola had been previously removed by the Supreme Court after reigning for over 21 years.
The ruling house also refuted claims by Oyo State’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, that Laribikusi failed to present candidates within the 14-day notice given by the government.
According to the government, this led to the nomination process being shifted back to the Akalako Ruling House, which had produced the last recognized Eleruwa, Oba Bolanle Olaniyan (Gbajumola II).
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Rejecting this explanation, the Laribikusi family likened the government’s actions to the saying: “If you want to hang a dog, you give it a bad name.”
“We maintain our position that nobody in the administration of this process either at Ibarapa East Local government or the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters gave us (Olaribikusi ruling house) fourteen day Nomination Notice in line with the Chiefs Law of Oyo State.”
The statement challenge the chairman of Ibarapa East local government, Kazeem Arogundade to publish for the public to see the 14 days nomination notice he claimed to give the family and the family acknowledgement of the notice, knowingfuly well what is at stake.
“We tried our best to call the attention of our governor, Engr Seyi Makinde whom we know to cherish due process and rule of law to this grand plan by powerful interests in Eruwa to return a man who usurped the throne for 21 years back to the throne at all cost through our numerous petitions, personal letters, radio and print media since we did not have direct access to the governor.
“Unfortunately, we were not listened to and for the first time in the history of Yoruba land, one individual is occupying the same Obaship stool in succession by ridiculously claiming to belong to both the two distinct and different ruling houses at the same time! Entire Eruwa people are robbed for the second time but we appeal for calm.
“No one should take law into their hands. It our land and we want peace to reign. “Onilu ko ni fe ki ilu ohun ko baje.
“We even like what our Governor said during the presentation of staff of office, that, and “I will do what my conscience says is right, as I know that I will explain this, one day before my own Maker”, what a wonderful statement.
“Anyway, we believe that justice we prevail, and at the end of the tunnel there shall be light.”