During the coronation of Oba Adebayo Adegbola as the new Eleruwa of Eruwa at the Eruwa Township Stadium last Saturday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, demonstrated true statesmanship: he apologized publicly for the delay in completing the 48-kilometre Eleyele-Eruwa road, a project awarded months ago.
Rather than gloss over the issue, Governor Makinde offered a heartfelt apology to the people of Eruwa and Ibarapaland and pledged that the road would be completed within 11 months. His words were met with applause, affirming the trust many Oyo residents have in his leadership.
Makinde stated:
“One good thing about this administration is that our project can be delayed, but definitely not abandoned. This administration has completed all the projects that the past governments abandoned.”
Yet, this honest gesture became fuel for Sola Abegunde—a known critic and relentless detractor of the governor. In a publication titled “So, Governor Makinde Could Be Ashamed of His Failures?”, Abegunde launched another tirade of insults and unfounded allegations, accusing the governor of installing Oba Adegbola in defiance of judicial rulings.
Abegunde alleged that Makinde ignored rulings of the Oyo State High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court by approving Oba Adegbola’s return as the Eleruwa. He even claimed to have “warned” the governor not to attend the coronation, branding the event a “celebration of shamelessness.”
Let’s set the record straight.
The Supreme Court had, indeed, removed Oba Adegbola after 21 years on the throne, ruling that the Olaribikusi Ruling House should produce the next king. The Oyo State Government, in full compliance, invited the Olaribikusi family to submit a candidate. However, the family failed to do so within the stipulated legal timeframe.
Consequently, the kingmakers turned to the next ruling house, the Akalako Ruling House. From the Olurin sub-family, Oba Adegbola emerged again, unanimously selected by the kingmakers from among 18 candidates. He was duly appointed on March 16, 2025, by the state government—legally and procedurally.
In essence, no law was violated. The Olaribikusi family forfeited its right by inaction. It’s similar to how the APC in Osun State lost LG council seats by failing to challenge a suit by the Action Peoples Party for two years—rights, once forfeited, don’t wait forever.
But Abegunde thrives on distortion. He has consistently peddled misinformation, exaggerating, fabricating, and misleading the public about the governor’s actions and policies. His writing reeks of bitterness, aimed solely at stirring unrest and maligning the reputation of a governor widely celebrated for infrastructural and economic strides.
Abegunde’s obsession with Makinde is baffling. Daily, he churns out commentary laced with personal attacks and disrespect for public office. From falsifying figures to undermining completed projects, his vitriol has gone beyond political opposition—it is pathological.
What is his true grievance?
Despite his noise, Oyo State has remained peaceful and progressively governed. Makinde was re-elected in a landslide—an endorsement of his developmental strides by the people Abegunde claims to speak for.
Governor Makinde’s projects speak for themselves: from infrastructure to prompt workers’ salaries, and from revitalizing agricultural hubs to positioning Oyo as an investment destination. Even international observers have taken note. In April, a survey by the Nigeria Social Media Week Group named Makinde and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno Nigeria’s “most loved” and “most inspiring” governors.
Yet Abegunde still calls him a failure.
This is the same man who once claimed Makinde should not visit Eruwa and accused him of playing politics by paying workers’ salaries promptly. If good governance is politics, then Oyo is all the better for it. If attracting foreign attention to Fashola Agribusiness Hub is “politics,” then let Makinde play on.
The same claim of “overruling the Supreme Court” was made by Abegunde regarding LG autonomy when Governor Makinde raised valid constitutional questions about federalism. Time has vindicated Makinde; local governments remain tangled in dysfunction.
Sola Abegunde lives, breathes, and dreams Makinde. His mind, chained by hatred and unreason, cannot rest unless attacking the governor. From state projects to past footballer rewards, everything is twisted to fit his anti-Makinde agenda.
Does he have a job? A family? Anyone to offer wise counsel?
This is no longer dissent—it is delusion. Perhaps it’s not too late for professional help.
●Gbenga Akanni writes from Ologuneru, Ibadan.
