Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Saturday formally crowned Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, pledging to complete the Eleyele–Ido–Eruwa Road within the next 11 months.
The coronation, held at the Eleruwa Stadium in Sango, Eruwa, drew dignitaries from across the state, including past and present government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
Governor Makinde, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the economic significance of the road project to agricultural development in Ibarapaland and beyond, assuring residents and farmers of its timely completion.
“I want to assure that within the next eleven months, the road from Eleyele to Eruwa will be fixed. We want value for our farmers who use this road daily to transport their produce,” Makinde stated.
The governor also announced that documentation for the proposed Eruwa Farm Estate — now designated the Agricultural Transformation Centre by the African Development Bank (AfDB) — had been concluded, with contractors set to move to site shortly.
He commended the peaceful selection process that produced Oba Adegbola, reaffirming his administration’s stance on non-interference in traditional leadership matters.
“We are proud that due process was followed. Our government will continue to uphold the sanctity of traditional institutions,” he added.
Oba Adegbola, in his acceptance speech, lauded the governor for his courage and commitment to justice. He pledged to promote peace, development, and unity in Eruwaland, while working in synergy with the state government.
“The Eleruwa-in-Council will support the Oyo State Government in its mission to lift our people from poverty to prosperity,” he assured.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, in a vote of thanks, hailed the resolution of the longstanding obaship tussle and urged citizens to unite for the development of the town.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the day as historic and praised Governor Makinde for his respect for traditional institutions.
The Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Chief Tunji Fadairo, also applauded the governor’s decision and called on all ruling houses to unite for progress.
Dignitaries Present
Among notable attendees were Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Amb. Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; Federal House of Representatives member Hon. Adebayo Adepoju; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented); Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; and other senior government officials, royal fathers, and religious leaders.
