Oba Adebayo Adegbola, has been officially reinstalled as the Eleruwa of Eruwa by the Oyo State Government. The coronation ceremony took place at the Eleruwa Stadium in Sango, Eruwa, on Saturday, and was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the state.
Oba Adegbola was previously removed from the throne on November 29, 2019, following a Supreme Court ruling after reigning for 21 years. However, following due consultations and approval by the state government, he has now been reinstated as the rightful monarch of Eruwa.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who performed the official presentation, urged the people of Eruwa to embrace peace, unity, and development. He emphasized that the reappointment was in line with the wishes of the majority and the preservation of tradition. “I assure you that the Eleyele-Ido-Eruwa Road project will be completed within 10 to 11 months,” Governor Makinde pledged, addressing concerns over the deplorable condition of the road. “If it is not done, don’t welcome me to Eruwa again.”
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adegbola expressed deep gratitude to Governor Makinde for his courage, fairness, and commitment to upholding the royal institution. He promised to lead with integrity and foster peace, progress, and development in Eruwa, irrespective of class, age, or family background. “I am committed to working for the unity and growth of Eruwa. My doors will remain open to everyone as we join hands to move our community forward,” he said.
The event was graced by several prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; and the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, among others.
However, the reinstatement has not been without controversy. Members of the Laribikusi Ruling House of Eruwa have rejected the planned recoronation of Oba Adegbola, describing it as fraudulent and illegitimate. In a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday, Princes Raimi Salawu, Lamidi Ojuolape, Emmanuel Adeyemi, and Adebayo Adeleke, on behalf of the ruling house, claimed that Adegbola had deprived them of their rightful turn to the throne.
The ruling house accused the Oyo State Government of ignoring their petitions, press conferences, and open letters challenging the process of Adegbola’s return. They vowed to pursue justice through legal and traditional means, affirming they would not be intimidated by any political pressure.
“We will defend Eruwa’s traditions and uphold the integrity of its royal institution, no matter how long it takes,” they stated, urging the people of Eruwa to remain calm and law-abiding.
Despite the opposition, Governor Makinde’s administration remains committed to the reinstatement, highlighting the importance of preserving tradition and honoring the wishes of the majority. The future of Eruwa’s monarchy now hangs in the balance as both sides await further developments.
