•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – The Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Ruling House in Eruwa town has distance itself from any attempts to hijack the right of Olaribikusi Ruling House to produce the next Eleruwa of Eruwa in Ibarapa East local government area of Oyo State.
The Ruling House said such actions would be tantamount to cheating their brethren (Laribikusi) and creating bad blood between the two ruling houses which has been the sole producer of Eleruwa.
A letter written to governor Makinde and signed by Prince Abolanle Akeem, Prince Adedokun Amos, Prince Adejumobi Olugbade, Prince Afolabi Abimbola, Prince Oloyede Raji, Princess Bosede Oyebola, Prince Kolawole Olaniyan, Prince Adejumobi Olukunle urged the governor to prevail on those seeking to destabilize rotational process between the two royal houses and impose their anointed candidate from Akalakoyi to rescind their decision.
The Akalakoyi called on governor Makinde to ensure that the selection process of the new Eleruwa is fair, transparent, and in accordance with the provisions of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.
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He letter reads, “We, the members of Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, write to bring to your attention on the ongoing Eleruwa Kingship tussle in Eruwa land, Ibarapa East Local Government Area State.
“As stakeholders in this matter, we deem it necessary to provide clarification and guidance on the proper interpretation of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.
“As you may be aware, the Eleruwa Kingship is rotational between the two ruling houses: Akalakoyi and Laribikusi. Following the demise of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II from Akalakoyi, it was the turn of Olaribikusi to produce the successor.
“However, the selection of Oba Samuel Adegbola from Olaribikusi was challenged in court and ultimately led to his dethronement on November 29, 2019, due to his ineligibility to be the Eleruwa.
“The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that the new Eleruwa should be selected from Laribikusi House, as it is still their turn. This decision is in line with the Yoruba adage, “ti Oba kan o ba ku, omiran kii je,” which emphasizes the importance of respecting the rotational order of the kingship.
“As you may be aware, your government has already initiated the process for selecting a new Eleruwa through the Afobaje, in line with the Supreme Court ruling and the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftancy Declaration.
“We believe that it is essential to respect the rotational order of the kingship and allow Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa.
“Thank you for your time and consideration. We appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that you will take the necessary steps to ensure that justice, transparency, and fairness prevail in the selection of the next Eleruwa.”
Meanwhile, representatives of the Laribikusi family while featuring on a popular radio program in Ibadan (Dende Oro) to discuss the ongoing crisis surrounding the throne of Eleruwa provided insight into the Eleruwa Chieftancy declaration of 1957/58, which recognises only two royal families – Laribikusi and Akalako – as eligible to ascend the throne.
The Laribikusi family representatives who appeared on the program included Prince Mukaila Adejumo, Prince Azeez Olabode, Prince Mike Oke, Prince Ijaola Olabode and Alhaji Hazim Bello among others.
According to them, “Obama Bolanle Olaniyan, who reigned as Eleruwa until his death in 1994, was a member of the Akalako family. His successor, Oba Samuel Adegbola, was removed by the Supreme Court on November 29, 2019, for allegedly reigning illegally.”
They explained that the nomination process coordinated by the Ibarapa East LG Chairman, Hon Akeem Arogundade does not follow due process and not transparent as no 14 days deadline as stipulated by law was given as claimed either written or verbal before rumor of taking it to the other ruling house.
Therefore, they are appealing to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde to come to their aid so that the right thing be done and they won’t be denied of their heritage