In line with the ascension process for the stool of the Eleruwa of Eruwaland, the Labirikusi Royal House has officially presented its consensus candidate, Chief Dejo Akinlade, as the family head to the Ibarapa East Local Government authorities.
According to the Western mirror.com.ng report, this significant step aims to fill the revered royal seat, which holds immense historical and cultural importance in Eruwaland.
The presentation, along with an official letter, was made to the local government chairman, Hon. Kareem Arogundade, on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Labirikusi family emphasized that no deadline was stipulated for the family head’s presentation in the 1957 Eruwa Chieftaincy Declaration, countering allegations of a delayed process.
At the formal presentation to the Executive Chairman of Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Hon. Kareem Arogungade, the letter was received on his behalf by his Personal Assistant, Lukman Akintola.
Chief Dejo Akinlade, while addressing concerns of delay, clarified: “No deadline was set for the presentation of the family head, as claimed in some quarters.”
He affirmed that the Labirikusi family has fulfilled all conditions outlined in the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration to expedite the selection process for the new Eleruwa.
Chief Akinlade explained the procedure moving forward: “The family head’s appointment letter will be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for approval, once approved, the family will be instructed to submit names of candidates for the Eleruwa stool.
” Afterwards, the family head will then convene an expanded meeting of the entire Labirikusi Royal House for the final selection.”
He dismissed the notion of a 14-day ultimatum, emphasizing that this timeline applies only after the family head’s appointment, which has now been resolved.
Chief Akinlade noted that the throne of Eleruwa is contested between two families, Akalako and Labirikusi, as stipulated in the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration. He also referenced the Supreme Court’s 2019 ruling that dethroned the immediate past Eleruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola.
Prince Ijaola Adeseun, Secretary of the Labirikusi Royal House, also addressed claims of an alleged expired 14-day ultimatum, stating that the LG chairman had scheduled another meeting for January 16, 2025, to ensure transparency in the process.
The family however, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure a fair and transparent selection of the new Eleruwa of Eruwaland.
Westernmirror.com.ng had earlier reported that a widely respected nonagenarian from the Akalako Ruling House, Pa Oyebimpe Moses, confirmed to newsmen last weekend that the Akalako family had produced the Eleruwa eight times ahead of Laribikusi royal House with only five and urged the authorities to adhere to the 1957 chieftaincy declaration in selecting the new monarch.
Pa Oyebimpe also called on members of the Akalako Ruling House reportedly planning to present a candidate for the vacant stool to reconsider their actions in the interest of the town’s peace, prosperity and progress.
“The rules are clear. It is the turn of the Labirikusi Ruling House to present the new king,” he emphasized.
