•By Our Reporter
IBADAN – A bitter dispute has erupted in Eruwa town, Oyo State, over the selection of the next Eleruwa as Prince Olusegun Adewale Oke of the Laribikusi Ruling House has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to prevent some powerful individuals from violating the sacred institution of Obaship in Eruwa.
At the heart of the controversy is the rotation of the throne between the two ruling houses: Akalako (female line) and Laribikusi (male line). The 1958 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration established this rotation, which has been maintained until the demise of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan (Gbajumola II) from Akalako ruling house in 1994.
Prince Oke in a press statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State on Tuesday alleged that the chairman of Ibarapa East Local government, has disregarded this tradition by shifting the nomination process to Akalako ruling house, paving the way for the return of deposed Oba Samuel Adegbola. This move, Prince Oke argues, would be a gross injustice, as Laribikusi ruling house is next in line to produce the Eleruwa.
The Laribikusi family has appealed to Governor Makinde to intervene and ensure that the due process is followed, as enshrined in the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration. The family is seeking the governor’s assistance in stopping what they perceive as a violation of their heritage and tradition.
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, with nine occupants of the throne compared to Laribikusi’s five.