Eleruwa’s coronation: Makinde promises to complete Ido-Eruwa road in 11 months

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has promised the completion of Eleyele-Ido-Eruwa road within the next 11 months.

Makinde, who assured that the state government would redouble its efforts to ensure the completion of the road as promised, emphasized its economic importance to boosting agricultural activities in the area and the state as a whole.

He also disclosed that the documentation for the Eruwa Farm Estate, also known as Agricultural Transformation Centre, had been concluded, assuring that contractors would soon move to site.

Governor Makinde stated these on Saturday at the coronation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, Eleruwa of Eruwa, held at the Eleruwa Stadium, Sango, Eruwa.

While congratulating the new Eleruwa and promising to work with him to develop the town, Makinde said that due process and laid down rules were followed in the selection of Oba Samuel Adegbola, noting that his administration would continue to maintain its record of non-interference in traditional institutions and the selection process of traditional rulers.

The governor continued, “We all know the struggle to get to this point. About five months after I became the governor of this state in 2019, we got the Supreme Court judgment deposing Kabiyesi Eleruwa. I was not experienced enough to settle certain issues and it was a first shocker to me. So, I called everybody and asked questions. 

“And after gathering some information, we went back to Supreme Court for them to have another look at the judgment but we did not also succeed. 

“I was of the opinion that Eruwaland would have a king but we would follow due process. We came back to follow the process but didn’t end as expected.

“Now, what is the lesson for us in all of these? Eruwaland from 2019 to 2025 was deprived of traditional headship, though that is behind us. And I am glad that today, the Kabiyesi has not come on a revenge mission but to collaborate with everybody for the growth of Eruwaland.

“I also want to say that the government will work together with him to bring about progress in the land.

“I want to assure that within the next eleven months, the road from Eleyele to Eruwa would be fixed. Another promise I want to make again is that, which we had made in the past regarding this critical infrastructure, we want value for our farmers that are using this road every day and night to convey farm produce. And we shall achieve that.

“Kabiyesi, I have also noted what you said about Eruwa Farm Estate, which we launched recently. The AfDB has renamed the place as Agricultural Transformation Centre, which is the second of its kind in Nigeria. The first one is Fasola.

“One good thing about this administration is that, our project can be delayed but definitely not abandoned. This administration has completed all the projects the past governments abandoned. And during our first term, we completed most of our projects in record time. You would see efforts at the Agricultural Transformation Centre. It is AfDB that is supporting us. We have completed all documentation and the contractor should move to site.”

In his acceptance speech, Oba Adegbola thanked Governor Makinde for his fairness, steadfastness and courage in upholding the tradition, legal and all legitimate administrative processes resulting in his reappointment as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa.

He equally appreciated the indigenes of Eruwa town for their unwavering support and promised to work for the peace, unity, progress and development of the town to lift the people from poverty to prosperity through the sustained economic and infrastructural development of Governor Makinde’s administration.

Oba Adegbola said, “In the course of my reign, I will work to harness the energy of our youths while listening to the wisdom of our elders. In general, I will try very hard to achieve a kinder, more civil, more tolerant, more generous and more compassionate community.

“The Eleruwa in Council under my rule will always collaborate with the government to articulate the yearning of our people and to ensure government succor reaches them every time we are called upon to play our part. In particular, the OYSG can count on my throne as a partner in the efforts to lift our communities from poverty to prosperity through sustained economic and infrastructural development.”

Moving the vote of thanks, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Debo Ogundoyin, who expressed his gratitude to God and Governor Makinde for resolving the Obaship tussle after many years, called for the support of the people of Eruwaland to foster growth and development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon  Ademola Ojo, thanked the governor for his unwavering support and  continued respect for traditional institutions and community development, noting that the day marked a significant chapter in the rich history and cultural heritage of Eruwa.

In his goodwill message, the Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Chief Tunji Fadairo thanked Governor Makinde for accepting the choice of the people and called on aggrieved ruling houses to come together for the progress and development of the town.

‎The event had in attendance, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja,  former deputy governors Engr Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr Hazeem Gbolarumi; member representing Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, Hon Adebayo Adepoju; Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon Justice M.O Ishola; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni and Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Fola Oyekunle.

The event also had in attendance top government functionaries, service commanders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and captains of industry, among others.