Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has dismissed ongoing litigations challenging appointments in the state’s traditional institutions, insisting that such legal battles are a waste of time and effort.
Makinde, who spoke on Thursday while presenting the staff and certificate of office to the newly appointed Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, maintained that his administration would not interfere in traditional rulings as long as due process is followed.
The governor’s remarks come amid legal disputes surrounding the appointments of the Alaafin of Oyo-designate, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye.
Makinde reaffirmed that his government’s role was merely to endorse the decisions made by kingmakers in the selection of traditional rulers.
The presentation of instruments of office to Oba Adegbola, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, marked his return to the throne after a legal battle that led to his removal.
Adegbola was initially installed as the Eleruwa in 1998 but was sacked in 2019 following a Supreme Court judgment, which upheld an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal that faulted his enthronement.
The ruling was the climax of protests from other ruling houses opposing his appointment.
Despite the legal setback, Makinde approved Adegbola’s return to the throne, stating that his reappointment was based on the nomination by Eruwa’s kingmakers.
“We are here today for a very important reason. This issue has lingered since 2019, leaving Eruwa without a traditional ruler for over five years,” the governor stated.
According to Makinde, he took time to study the legal dispute surrounding Adegbola’s initial removal and found that the main contention was the monarch’s lineage rather than his eligibility to rule.
The governor insisted that challenging traditional appointments in court was an exercise in futility, stating that his administration would only uphold selections made through the due process.
“I can say that for any issue concerning the traditional institution, anybody that goes to court would only waste their time and effort,” he said.
He further disclosed that despite pressure from influential individuals lobbying for different candidates for the Eruwa stool, he remained committed to ensuring fairness in the process.
“Not that people did not come to me to lobby. A very important personality in this state came to me, saying that it was his person they were pushing for the Eruwa stool.
But I told him I would do what my conscience says is right because I know I will account for my decisions before my Maker,” Makinde added.
The governor emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in governance, particularly in ensuring security and preserving culture and traditions.
In his response, Oba Adegbola expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged to foster unity and development in Eruwa.
“I will reach out to everyone with grievances so that we can settle all differences in the overall interest of our town,” the monarch said.
He also assured his commitment to working with the state government and other traditional rulers across Oyo State to enhance security and socio-economic growth in the region.
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