‘Makinde not interfering in new Eleruwa selection process’

Some concerned indigenes of Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State, have said that the governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, was not involved in the picking of a new Eleruwa as being speculated.

The indigenes of the town stated this while reacting to a statement credited to the Chairman of Eruwa Council of Elders, Chief Joseph Peluola, when he said on a radio programme that governor Makinde is interfering in the process of picking a new Eleruwa of Eruwa.

The group noted that the state government is yet to make any pronouncement on the choice of new Eleruwa as the kingmakers just sent the name of the new traditional ruler to the state government on Thursday.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the group, Olalekan Idowu and made available to journalists on Saturday, the group of Eruwa indigenes noted that:”we noted with dismay the attempt by Chief Joseph Peluola to misrepresent to the public the genuine efforts of the Oyo State Government and the Eruwa kingmakers in selecting a new Oba for our town.

ALSO READ: Gov Bago bans heavy-duty trucks from Dikko bridge

“The truth is that the Oyo State Government has asked the Akalako ruling house to present their princes to the Eruwa kingmakers and for the kingmakers to make their choice.

“On the whole 18 princes wrote in through their families and the Oyo State Government performed its duties under the local government administration laws by witnessing the selection process. No more no less.

“It should be noted that the choice of the kingmakers up till now is only known to them and the Oyo State Government which they transmitted their decision to.

“Former Kabiyesi Oba Adegbola whose father is from the Olurin royal family which is part of the larger Akalako ruling house was nominated by his family alongside 17 other candidates. His participation is normal and legitimate and does not call for any over-dramatisation.

“Also for anyone familiar with the obaship selection process in Yorubaland, no serious contender to any obaship stool will be a stranger to his town’s kingmakers.”

The statement further reads:”Chief Peluola’s strange and pedestrian opinion that candidates should queue before kingmakers for interview is most unthinkable and unexpected from a person of his age and familiarisation with the customs of our people.

“He is certainly neither wiser nor more versed than the kingmakers and the arms government vested with superintending over the process of selecting the new Eleruwa.

“As stakeholders in Eruwa’s development we affirm that we have not observed or witnessed any aspect of the Eleruwa Chieftaincy Declaration and the Oyo State Chiefs laws that have been compromised under the ongoing process.”

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE