The Laribikusi ruling house has vehemently dissociated itself from the purported “re-coronation” of Samuel Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, describing the move as an affront to the traditions and customs of the Eruwa people.
In a strongly-worded statement signed by prominent members of the ruling house, including Prince Raimi Salawu, Prince Lamidi Ojuolape, Prince (Dr) Emmanuel O Adeyemi, and Prince Adebayo Adeleke, the group accused Samuel Adegbola of depriving them of their rightful turn to occupy the throne.
According to the statement, Samuel Adegbola fraudulently occupied the throne for 21 years, claiming to be a rightful heir until he was removed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on November 29th, 2019. The group alleged that remnants of the forces that imposed him on the Eruwa people in 1994 are still prevailing on the current political powers in Oyo state to return him to the throne.
The Laribikusi ruling house also took issue with Samuel Adegbola’s assumption of the title “Ajobo Olurin I”, stating that there is no Ajobo or Akindele royal lineage in the Eruwa Royal Family. They claimed that the last Olurin that reigned in Eruwa was Oba Adegboye, Olurin IV (1947 – 1959), and that the “Ajobo” title confirms the historical fact that Samuel Adegbola’s great-grandfather was a settler from Igbo-Ora.
“We want the whole world to know that we are not a party to any arrangement that seeks to impose a settler from Igbo-Ora on Eruwa town as our Oba,” the statement read. “This action is an affront to the traditions and customs of the Eruwa people, and we will not recognise or legitimise it in any way.”
The group revealed that they made several efforts to let the governor of Oyo State and those in authority know the truth about the grand plan to return Samuel Adegbola to the throne, but were ignored. They wrote open letters to the governor, petitions, press conferences, and media announcements, but all these steps were obviously, disregarded.
The Laribikusi ruling house has vowed to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Eruwa town and its people, and to ensure that the traditional institutions are respected and preserved by their customs and traditions. “We will take all necessary steps to protect our interests and the interests of our ancestors,” the statement read. “No matter how long it takes, victory is assured, and justice will prevail.”
The group has also called on the peace-loving people of Eruwa to maintain law and order and peacefully conduct themselves.
The controversy surrounding Samuel Adegbola’s “re-coronation” has sparked tension in Eruwa, with the Laribikusi ruling house determined to assert their rights and protect their traditions. The group’s statement has sent a strong message to the current administration and the kingmakers involved in the “re-coronation” process.
The Laribikusi ruling house’s determination to seek justice for themselves and their ancestors has been evident in their statement. “We refuse to be intimidated, and we will not be cowed by arrogant utterances from high quarters,” the statement read.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the current administration will respond to the Laribikusi ruling house’s demands. One thing is certain, however – the people of Eruwa will be watching closely to see how this controversy is resolved.
The Laribikusi ruling house’s statement has brought attention to the complex issues surrounding traditional leadership in Eruwa, and the need for respect for customs and traditions. The group’s call for peace and law and order is a reminder of the importance of maintaining stability in the community.
