Eruwa ~ A Land Of Royal Roots, Unbroken Honour, And Historic Resilience

Eruwa is not just a town. It is a symbol of strength, an emblem of nobility, and a proud reminder that history is the root of identity. As we prepare to crown a new Oba, it becomes our duty to retell the story of Eruwa with accuracy, dignity, and pride so that generations to come may know the truth and walk with their heads held high.

Let us begin where it all started, in the thick forests enroute we now call the Iseyin – Lagos express road. It was in those times, long before the convenience of modern roads and urban growth, that a young royal woman from Oyo wandered through the vast wilderness.

Her name was Princess Oyinlola, a daughter of the Alaafin of Oyo. She had been sent out of Oyo for reasons connected with a false accusation to be certified whether she was a witch or not. In those days, such accusations were grave and dangerous. Her life was hanging in the balance. If she had been found guilty, she could have been hanged.

As she wandered through the forest, exhausted and uncertain of what lay ahead, she noticed smoke rising from a distant hill. Hopeful, she followed the smoke and arrived at a secluded area where she met Obaseeku, a brave and noble hunter who lived alone in the forest who migrated fron Oyo Óró which location is now outside present Yoruba land after being dismantle and defunct. Obaseeku was not just a man of the bush; he was a man of courage and principle. He welcomed the princess, cared for her, and gave her refuge. Their brief time together led to a moment of intimacy. Afterwards, she continued her journey to Ajori Iwin, where the case against her was investigated using traditional methods. She was cleared through “aroko” a symbolic traditional message similar to medical clearance proving she was innocent.

Only upon her return to Oyo, it was discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy, which had gone unnoticed during her ordeal, was then confirmed. The child born was named Akalakoyi, meaning “the vultures have rejected this” a powerful and symbolic name. In those days, vultures were known to roam freely, scavenging without fear. But something about the child’s birth sent a spiritual message even the vultures refused to touch what was sacred. The child was blessed, protected, and destined for remembrance.

Her second journey to Eruwa brought about the birth of another child Olaribikusi. This second child would go on to change the course of history for Eruwa. When he was born, Princess Oyinlola looked around at the peace and beauty of the hill upon which she now lived. With gratitude, she declared, “This is where I will stay forever.” The name Olaribikusi symbolised settlement, peace, and joy. He was a child born of conviction, from a woman who had seen trial and triumph.

Obaseeku, ever mindful of honour and tradition, later decided to return to Oyo, this time taking the young Olaribikusi with him. He went to present himself before the Alaafin the father of the woman he had taken as wife. This was an act of respect, a call for recognition, and a reaffirmation of heritage.

While at the palace, something remarkable happened. As Obaseeku spoke with the Alaafin, young Olaribikusi began to crawl around, playing and moving curiously. At a point, he reached for the crown of the Alaafin. At first, this was seen as the innocent play of a child. But when the boy began to cry uncontrollably and persistently, as if something within him longed for that crown, the atmosphere changed. Nothing could calm him until the Alaafin, moved by ancestral instinct, handed the crown to the child and said, “Take it.” That moment marked a symbolic and spiritual transfer the crown of Oyo had been handed to a child born in the wilderness, destined to rule.

This act laid the foundation for a dynasty. When they returned to Eruwa, Obaseeku was the founder and first king of the land as the child was still young, and it was his son, Olaribikusi who became the first beaded king of Eruwa later on. We did not become royal through conquest. We did not seize power by force. We inherited it by birthright, by divine timing, and by ancestral blessing.

This is why Eruwa is more than just a location on a map. It is a land of heritage, of resilience, and of royal lineage. Eruwa stood as one of the four ancient wings of Oyo Empire and has always belonged to the ekun otun i.e the right wing of Oyo empire. Our town has never been conquered, never enslaved, not even during the bloody expeditions of the Dahomey warriors, who ravaged parts of Yorubaland in search of captives. Eruwa remained untouched, protected by her hills, her warriors, and her unity.

Our sacred hills like Andoro, Ojoko, Akolu, Adoko, Apanpa, Eetaka, Okele otherwise known as Obaseeku, Ofere, Ogodo, Oluweri, Weewee, and Onigbaporo form the natural fortress of Eruwa. From Anko to Oke Oba, from Isaba to Aborerin, our people have always lived on elevated grounds for security and vision. These quarters were originally led by distinct leaders, who later unified under the authority of the Eleruwa of Eruwaland.

The name Eruwa was born from simplicity and hospitality. In the early days, women selling roasted yam would call out, “Eru wa nibi o”, meaning “there is roasted yam here.” Travellers would stop, eat, rest, and find comfort. Over time, the phrase evolved into Eruwa. From the warmth of food, a town of royal heritage was named.

Today, Eruwa is not just a farming community. We are home to scholars, civil servants, entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries. Our people live together in harmony; Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers; sharing values of unity, respect, and peace.

At the heart of our governance is the traditional institution. The Eleruwa of Eruwaland, our royal father, is supported by the Eleruwa in Council, led by the Odofin Agba Oye, alongside the Baales of various quarters and the Council of Elders, including the Asiwaju of Eruwa Land. Together, they serve as the custodians of our customs, guardians of our land, and stewards of our history.

The throne of Eruwa has passed through noble hands. From the founder and first king Obaseeku.  It is on this note that the lineage of Akalakoyi and Olaribikusi are recognised as the two ruling houses, rotating the rulership and Obaship of Eruwa till date.

Eruwa has grown. From its original quarters to modern extensions like New Eruwa, Okolo, Temidire, Lagaye, and countless other villages and settlements. We are evolving, growing in number, in knowledge, in pride but never forgetting our roots.

As we prepare to place the crown upon the head of a new Eleruwa, let us remember that we are not beginning a story. We are continuing one; one that started with a wandering princess, a brave hunter, a sacred child, and a divine crown.

That is our origin. That is our legacy. That is our pride.

Long live Eruwa.
Long live the Eleruwa of Eruwaland.
Long live the crown that never fell.

By: Comrade Oluwafemi Ogunshola
For Program and Publicity Committee

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