Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed that due process was strictly followed in the selection process and appointment of the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola.
The governor made this statement shortly before formally presenting the instruments of office comprising the staff and certificate to the monarch at a ceremony held at the executive chamber of the governor’s office.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, members of the state executive Council, the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly and the chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Akintunde Olajide.
In his address, Governor Makinde emphasized that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that traditional institutions operate within legal frameworks without interference from the state government.
He dismissed any claims of irregularities in the selection process, noting that all necessary steps were followed in accordance with the state’s Chieftaincy Law, adding thay he was delighted that the lingering issues preventing the historical town from having a traditional ruler have finally been settled.
Governor Makinde called on all aggrieved parties concerning the appointment of the new Eleruwa of Eruwa to embrace peace and support the newly installed monarch for the development of Eruwaland.
The governor emphasized that the state government adhered strictly to due process in selecting the traditional ruler and ensured compliance with the state’s Chieftaincy Law.
He urged those considering litigation to reconsider, stressing that such actions would be futile since the appointment was carried out lawfully.
Makinde reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state, urging the people of Eruwa to unite in support of their new king. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize the progress and development of the town over personal grievances.
“We are here today for a very important reason. This is an issue that has lingered since 2019, leaving Eruwa with no traditional ruler for over five years. This administration came in May 2019 and we met the dispute surrounding the throne. We tried to appeal to everyone because Kabiyesi was Eleruwa for 21 years before November when we had that Supreme Court judgement and we had to obey the court order.
“I took it upon myself to find out what the truth was and I learnt that the first judgement was delivered by the former Chief Judge, Mukthar Abimbola.
“I called him and we sat down and I asked him to explain to me the cause of this matter. I asked, was it that Kabiyesi did not qualify or he did not come from the royal family? But he said Kabiyesi came from the royal family.
“He said the issue they were having was whether he came from the female side but was supposed to come from another side. So, I concluded that we should keep looking for ways to solve the problem. From that November 2019 up until this moment, I asked myself if Eruwa town had been better off and the answer is no. A town that does not have a governing head, things are always very difficult, because somebody must stand up and talk to the authorities.
“Today, I am glad that the issue has finally been resolved. As I have said in the past, our administration will not interfere in the decisions of our traditional institutions as long as due process is followed. I can say that for any issue that has to do with the traditional institution, anybody that goes to court would only go and waste his time and efforts.
“Not that people did not come to me to lobby. As a matter of fact, a very important personality in this state came to me and said it is his person they are pushing for the Eruwa stool. But I said I would look into it and do what my conscience says is right, as I know that I will explain this one day before my own Maker. So, Kabiyesi was nominated by the kingmakers and all we have done is to endorse the nomination.
“The importance of our traditional institution to our dear state cannot be overemphasized. They are closer to the people and they do a bit in governance especially as it concerns security.
“They have also contributed so much to make this state safe. Also, in the preservation of our culture and tradition, they have played an important role,” Makinde stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo otherwise known as ‘Ijaya’, in his welcome address, commended governor Makinde for his visionary leadership which he said has culminated into seamless transition of power from one traditional leadership to another across the state.
In his acceptance speech, the new Eleruwa, Oba Adegbola appreciated the governor and his government, declaring that he would invite everyone with grievances with a view to settling all differences in the overall interest of Eruwa.
He equally promised to bring about greater developments to the town and also cooperate with the state government and all traditional rulers in Ibarapaland and Oyo State to achieve the vision of securing the state.
In attendance at the event were a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; representative of the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Ladiran Akintola; and Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo.
Also in attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; co-chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council, Dr Saka Balogun; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Asiwaju Olatunji Alao Fadairo; as well as wives of Oba Adegbola, Olori Caroline and Olori Oyefunke.
Others were the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Abiodun Aikomo; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor (Special Duties), Chief Mikhail Bayo Lawal and other government functionaries.
