Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the reappointment of Prince Adebayo Adegbola as the Eleruwa of Eruwa. This decision comes more than five years after the Supreme Court removed him from the throne. Adegbola was initially installed as Eleruwa in 1998 but was deposed in November 2019 following legal disputes over his ascension.
The Supreme Court had ruled against Adegbola’s appointment after a prolonged legal battle initiated by other ruling houses in Ibarapa East Local Government Area. In a unanimous judgment, the court dismissed his appeal, affirming earlier rulings from lower courts. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who delivered the lead judgment, stated that the appellants failed to present valid legal arguments to support their case. Consequently, the throne remained vacant since his removal.
A statement from the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed Adegbola’s reinstatement. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, explained that the succession process was reopened after the High Court of Oyo State dismissed Suit No. HER/10/23 on October 22, 2024. The ruling quarters initially responsible for selecting candidates, Laribikusi Ruling House, failed to meet the stipulated deadline under Oyo State’s chieftaincy laws.
Given the circumstances, Governor Makinde exercised his discretion to recognize the Akalako Ruling House as the next in line for nomination. Following due process, the Eruwa Kingmakers convened and unanimously selected Prince Adebayo Adegbola as the sole candidate for the vacant stool. His appointment marks the resolution of a long-standing succession dispute in Eruwaland.
The Commissioner noted that with Adegbola’s return to the throne, Governor Makinde’s administration has now coronated 11 kings and 40 Baales—an unprecedented achievement in the history of the Yoruba traditional institution. This development underscores the government’s commitment to resolving chieftaincy disputes and preserving the cultural heritage of Oyo State.
Hon. Ademola Ojo called on the people of Eruwa to embrace their new monarch and work together for the progress of the community. He urged all sons and daughters of Eruwa to celebrate Adegbola’s ascension and support his reign to ensure lasting peace and development in the land.
