Gbajumola/Ofiki family seeks Makinde’s intervention over Eleruwa tussle

As the ongoing selection of the new Eleruwa of Eruwa in Ibrarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State continues to generate reactions from different quarters, the Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, has urged the governor of the State, Mr Seyi Makinde, to promptly intervene and ensure that transparency and fairness take preeminence in the whole process.

The family made the plea in a letter addressed to the governor, which was jointly signed by the representatives of the family namely: Prince Abolanle Akeem; Prince Adedokun Amos; Prince Adejumobi Olugbade; Prince Afolabi Abimbola; Prince Oloyede Raji; Princess Bosede Oyebola; Prince Kolawola J. Olaniyan and Prince Adejumobi Olukunle and made available to journalists on Tuesday.

The letter reads in parts: “We, the members of Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi Royal Family, write to bring to your attention the ongoing Eleruwa kingship tussle in Eruwaland, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo.

“As stakeholders in this matter, we deem it necessary to provide clarification and guidance on the proper interpretation of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration. As you may be aware, the Eleruwa Kingship is rotational between the two ruling houses: Akalakoyi and Laribikusi.

“Following the demise of Oba Bolanle Olaniyan Gbajumola II from Akalakoyi, it was the turn of Olaribikusi to produce the successor. However, the selection of Oba Samuel Adegbola from Olaribikusi was challenged in court and ultimately led to his dethronement on November 29, 2019.

“The Supreme Court ruling explicitly stated that the new Eleruwa should be selected from Laribikusi House, as it is still their turn.

“We hereby distance our family, Gbajumola/Ofiki of Akalakoyi, from any attempt to hijack the right of Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa. Such actions would be tantamount to cheating our brethren from Laribikusi and creating bad blood between the two ruling houses.

“We implore Your Excellency to prevail upon those who seek to destabilise the process and impose their anointed candidate from Akalakoyi to rescind their decision. We urge you to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent, and in accordance with the provisions of the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration.

“As you may be aware, your government has already initiated the process for selecting a new Eleruwa through the Afobaje, in line with the Supreme Court ruling and the 1957 Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration. We believe that it is essential to respect the rotational order of the kingship and allow Laribikusi to produce the next Eleruwa.”