Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the reappointment of Prince Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, reinstating the deposed monarch to the throne.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the approval was in line with a directive from the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo.
The Eleruwa stool had remained vacant since October 22, 2024, when the High Court of Oyo State nullified Oba Adegbola’s reign in suit No: HER/10/23. Following this, the state government initiated a fresh selection process.
“In response to the circumstances surrounding the succession, I would like to remind everyone that the Laribikusi Ruling Quarters were unable to submit candidates within the stipulated timeframe, as required by Section 15(1) of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 of Oyo State,” Oyelade stated.
He added, “Consequently, after due consideration, the esteemed discretion of His Excellency facilitated the Akalako Ruling House to be recognised as the next ruling quarters to nominate candidates.”
According to him, after a thorough selection process, the kingmakers of Eruwa unanimously selected Prince Adebayo Adegbola from the Akalako Ruling House as the sole candidate for the throne.
Oyelade recalled that Oba Adegbola was initially installed as Eleruwa in 1998 but was deposed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on November 29, 2019.
He further highlighted that with the reinstatement of Prince Adegbola, Governor Makinde’s administration had now crowned 11 kings and appointed 40 Baales, a record achievement in the history of the Yoruba traditional institution.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, urged the people of Eruwa to embrace the new monarch and support his reign for the peace and development of the town.
“We appeal to all sons and daughters of Eruwa to unite in welcoming the Eleruwa and celebrate his ascension to the throne for the growth and prosperity of our land,” Ojo said.
