The ongoing tussle over the selection of the new Eleruwa of Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State has sparked heated reactions, with the Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.
In a letter addressed to the governor and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the family expressed concerns over alleged attempts to undermine the rotational kingship agreement outlined in the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration. The letter, signed by prominent representatives of the Gbajumola/Ofiki family, emphasized the need for the governor’s intervention to prevent further escalation of tensions between the two ruling houses, Akalakoyi and Laribikusi.
The letter highlighted that the kingship, which is traditionally rotated between the two families, currently falls to the Laribikusi ruling house. This follows the demise of the late Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II from Akalakoyi. However, the selection process has been mired in controversy, as the dethronement of Oba Samuel Adegbola from Laribikusi by a Supreme Court ruling has added complexity to the situation.
The Gbajumola/Ofiki family firmly distanced themselves from any moves to impose an Akalakoyi candidate on the throne, stating that such actions would violate the established rotational agreement and foster division. The letter urged the governor to take swift action to prevent what they described as a hijack of the process by interested parties seeking to destabilize the community.
“We appeal to Your Excellency to uphold the provisions of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration and to ensure a transparent selection process that respects the rights of the Laribikusi family,” the family wrote. “This is essential to maintaining the unity and harmony of Eruwa, as any deviation could result in unrest and bad blood between the ruling houses.”
As the community eagerly awaits the resolution of this matter, stakeholders have called on all parties to prioritize peace and adhere to the rule of law. The Gbajumola/Ofiki family’s plea underscores the growing pressure on the Oyo State government to mediate effectively and ensure that justice prevails in the selection of the next Eleruwa.
Observers note that the situation has drawn widespread attention, with many in Eruwa watching closely to see how Governor Makinde will handle the matter in the coming days.
