The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has given his approval for the appointment of Prince Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa land. This decision was communicated by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade. The previous Eleruwa position had been vacant due to legal proceedings, culminating in the dismissal of a court case in October 2024.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, revealed that the Laribikusi Ruling Quarters failed to present candidates within the required timeframe according to the Chiefs Law Cap 28 of Oyo State. Subsequently, the Akalako Ruling House was chosen to nominate candidates for the position.
After a rigorous selection process, Prince Adebayo Adegbola from the Akalako Ruling House was unanimously selected by the kingmakers to fill the vacant Eleruwa stool. Oyelade mentioned that the previous Eleruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, was deposed in 2019 by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
With the appointment of Prince Adegbola, Governor Makinde’s administration has now installed 11 Kings and 40 Baales, setting a historical precedent in Yoruba traditional institutions. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ojo, urged the community to embrace and celebrate the new Eleruwa for the progress and prosperity of Eruwa land after a long period.