Eleruwa: Aggrieved Labirikusi family expresses concern over Oba Adegbola’s coronation 

Aggrieved members of Labirikusi Ruling House has dissociated themselves from the coronation ceremony of Oba Adebayo Adegbola scheduled to hold on Saturday in Eruwa town, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This is as they appealed to the people to allow the law to take its course on the matter rather than take law into their own hands.

The aggrieved Ruling House, in a statement jointly signed  by the Head of Omoni Quarter, Prince Raimi Salawu; Secretary, Ajao Quarter, Prince Lamidi Ojuolape; Head of Sabi Quarter, Prince Emmanuel Adeyemi; Head of Agbaaragba Quarter, and Prince Adebayo Adeleke respectively insisted that they would not be part of the process.

According to them, there are pertinent issues that need to be addressed, especially the process of the new monarch’s nomination and his adoption of Ajobo title which, to them, is alien to the Eleruwa traditional stool.

The family alleged that Oba Adegbola’s adoption of Ajobo Olurin 1 title is a further confirmation that the selection process by some kingmakers is faulty.

Labirikusi family argued that it is their turn to present the new Eleruwa but they were deprived of their right.

The statement said, “He (Adegbola) occupied it for 21 years. He claimed to be a rightful heir to the revered throne until he was removed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the November 29, 2019.

“We, members of Laribikusi ruling house dissociate ourselves from the purported “re-coronation” of Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa.

“In his first reign as the Eleruwa of Eruwa, he bore the title “Akindele I.” Again, in his usual characteristic manner, upon his return by the State Government, he titled himself “Ajobo Olurin I.”

“We want to state categorically that there is no Ajobo or Akindele royal lineages in the Eruwa Royal Family. The last Olurin that reigned in Eruwa was Oba Adegboye, Olurin IV (1947–1959). With his “Ajobo” title, Adegbola has confirmed the historical fact that his great grandfather was settler from Igbo-Ora. 

“We, members of royal family in Eruwa (“Awa Omo Oba Ilu Eruwa”) can authoritatively state that Ajobo is not a royal lineage in Eruwa. 

“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.

“This action is an affront to the traditions and customs of Eruwa people, and we will not recognise or legitimise it in any way.

“It is not a secret that Laribikusi ruling house made several efforts to let the state governor, and those in authority know the truth about the grand plan to return Adegbola to the throne by all means but we were ignored.”

It, therefore, implored the people of the ancient town to maintain law and order and peacefully conduct themselves, promising to seek justice at the appropriate time.

“We will 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 in accordance with our customs and traditions.

“We will seek justice for ourselves and our ancestors. No matter how long it takes, victory is assured, and justice will prevail.”

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