Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged that the long-awaited Eleyele-Ido-Eruwa road project will be completed within the next eleven months, promising a renewed commitment to the economic growth and agricultural development of the Ibarapa region.
The governor made the assurance on Saturday during the official coronation of Oba Samuel Adebayo Adegbola, Ajobo Olurin I, as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa, held at the Eleruwa Stadium, Sango, Eruwa.
Makinde highlighted the strategic importance of the road, stressing its critical role in facilitating the transportation of farm produce and enhancing rural development. “We want value for our farmers who use this road day and night. Within the next eleven months, the road from Eleyele to Eruwa will be fixed,” he affirmed.
He also announced that all documentation for the Eruwa Farm Estate — now officially designated by the African Development Bank (AfDB) as an Agricultural Transformation Centre — has been concluded, and contractors are expected to commence work on-site soon. The facility is one of only two such centres in the country, with the first located at Fasola.
Reflecting on the protracted traditional leadership tussle in Eruwa, Makinde recounted how a 2019 Supreme Court judgment deposed the former monarch. He acknowledged the complexities involved in resolving the matter but insisted that his administration prioritized due process and non-interference in the selection of traditional rulers.
“From 2019 to 2025, Eruwa was without a traditional head. But I’m glad that Kabiyesi is not coming on a revenge mission, but to unite and collaborate for the progress of Eruwaland,” Makinde said.
The governor congratulated Oba Adegbola and assured him of the government’s partnership in bringing development to the town.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Adegbola expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for upholding the rule of law and ensuring a transparent selection process. He promised to work for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Eruwa.
“My reign will focus on harnessing the potential of our youth, guided by the wisdom of our elders. We will build a kinder, more tolerant and compassionate community,” the monarch stated. He further assured the state government of the palace’s readiness to support developmental initiatives in the town.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, in his vote of thanks, praised Governor Makinde for resolving the Obaship dispute and called on the people of Eruwa to unite behind the new monarch for the progress of the land.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, described the event as a milestone in Eruwa’s history, lauding the administration’s support for traditional institutions.
The Asiwaju of Eruwaland, Chief Tunji Fadairo, also appreciated the governor for respecting the choice of the people and called on aggrieved ruling houses to sheath their swords and work together for Eruwa’s future.
The coronation ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the state and beyond, including Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governors Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented); Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and other top government officials, traditional rulers, service commanders, religious leaders, and industry stakeholders.
