A plea for justice and peace in Eruwa’s royal succession
In the midst of the struggle for the vacant throne of Eleruwa, a voice of reason and justice has emerged, pleading for a just and fair resolution to this crisis.
This plea comes in the wake of increasing propaganda and lies that have filled the media and airwaves, threatening to disrupt the peace and tranquillity of the ancient town.
Just like the biblical prostitute in the days of King Solomon, who would rather have the baby killed than accept her fate, the activities and utterances of these individuals can lead to public incitement against the government and thus hinder a just and fair resolution of the crisis over the choosing and installing of new Oba for Eruwa.
At Agbaragba, the home of Laribikusi, we are not unmindful that such unguarded utterances and lies filling up the media and airwaves can lead to a bridge of peace and tranquillity the ancient town of Eruwa is known for. It is pertinent that these lies are discountenanced so that unsuspecting masses are not deceived and misguided.
Laribikusi ruling house of Agbaragba compound, Oke-Oba Eruwa, is aware of genuine apprehension in town due to the imbroglio created by the absence of a king on the throne for many years. Eruwa indigenes are rightly worried and understandably running out of patience. My family shares this feeling too.
The historical context of the struggle for the Eleruwa throne is crucial to understanding the current situation.
Until 1957, the nomination process for the throne was chaotic and non-rotational, with many intruders finding their way to the throne despite not being related to Laribikusi’s ruling house of Agbaragba by blood.
The 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration was enacted to address these concerns and establish two recognized ruling houses in Eruwa: Laribikusi and Akalako.
To set the record straight, during the reign of Oba Adegboye, Olurinde IV from Akalako Ruling house (1947 to 1959), the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration was enacted not to only assuage the clamour of the Laribikusi ruling House that Akalako Ruling House had almost monopolised Eleruwa throne since the demise of the first Eleruwa, Oba Laribikusi 1, but also put to an end, further emergence of previously occupants of the throne who were not of the royal blood of Laribikusi and Akalako from ascending the throne of Eleruwa. Consequently, there are two established ruling houses in Eruwa; Laribikusi and Akalako.
Oba Bolanle Olaniyan, Gbajumola II passed on to meet his ancestors on May 1st, 1994. He was from the Akalalako ruling house. There was no ambiguity on whose turn it was to produce the next Eleruwa. It’s the turn of Laribikusi’s ruling house.
However, despite this normalisation, the current struggle for the throne has been marred by allegations of falsehood and manipulation, threatening to undo the progress made in 1957.
The voice of reason continues, emphasising the importance of understanding the historical and legal context of this struggle. The descendants of Laribikusi, being the male lineage of Obaseku, the founder of Eruwa, are resident at their ancestral compound at Agbaragba, Oke-Oba, Eruwa. The claim that Laribikusi has four distinct houses is baseless and lacking in common sense.
Furthermore, the pursuit of justice by the Laribikusi ruling house of Agbaragba has been unyielding, despite attempts to discredit their legitimate struggle.
The insinuation in certain quarters that Laribikusi ruling house of Agbaragba compound has abandoned its just and legitimate struggle to regain what rightly belongs to it by inheritance and history is nothing but a blatant lie and absurdity. Right from the onset and since the demise of the late Oba Bolanle Olaniyan, we have pursued and still pursuing this matter through both legal and civil means. The records are there and are verifiable.
The removal of Samuel Adegbola by the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on 29th November 2019 did not automatically confer the crown of Eleruwa on any candidate.
Whoever is parading himself as the Eleruwa-designate based on a fallacious interpretation of that Supreme Court judgment is either willfully ignorant of the processes of law and modalities of choosing Eleruwa from the nominated princesses or an outright lack of understanding? Sentiments and emotions do not constitute a factual interpretation of court judgements.
The process of choosing Eleruwa is laid out in the Declaration made under section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law, 1957. We believe that the current government in Oyo state led by Engineer Seyi Makinde will not be stampeded into taking action that will lead to another round of endless litigations that will continue to keep Eruwa away from the rightful Oba it deserves.
It is the turn of Laribikusi to fill the vacant throne of Eleruwa and ensuring Laribikusi by blood is chosen to sit on that throne is the only way to guarantee a just and peaceful resolution.
The voice warns against the dangers of emotional arguments and misinterpretations of court judgments.
The Eruwa community must not be misled by these tactics, which will only prolong the crisis and delay the installation of a rightful Oba. Trust must be placed in the processes of law and the wisdom of the current government to resolve this matter justly and fairly.
Ultimately, the call for peace and justice in Eruwa extends beyond the Laribikusi ruling house and the Akalako ruling house.
This struggle is about maintaining the integrity and legacy of this ancient town, which has been built upon centuries of tradition and culture. All stakeholders must recognize the gravity of this situation and act with the best interests of Eruwa at heart.
And so, the call for justice is made clear: the throne of Eleruwa rightfully belongs to the Laribikusi ruling house by blood. This is the only way to ensure a just and peaceful resolution to this crisis and to preserve the integrity of Eruwa’s rich history and culture.
The Oyo State government is further urged to stay the course and resist the malicious efforts of those who would seek to sow discord and undermine the rule of law through falsehood and misinformation.
Prince Olusegun Adewale Oke (writes from Laribikusi, Agbaragba Royal Family, Oke-Oba Eruwa).