Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House in Ilesa and former Deputy Governor to ex-Governor Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke of Osun State, has been selected as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
He will succeed the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran as the 49th Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The Owa Obokun-elect triumphed over nine other candidates during a peaceful selection process held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat in Ilesa.
One of the notable contenders for the throne was Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu, a deputy overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the United States and the younger brother of Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s wife.
Kingmakers’ Role
The selection process was overseen by six kingmakers, known as the Iwora Mefa: Obaala, High Chief Ibitoye; Ogboni of Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye; Ogboni of Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye (Elegboro); Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro; Ogboni Ilesa, High Chief Saka Fapohunda; and Oba Odo of Ilesa.
Additionally, seven Agba Ijesa, including Risawe of Ilesa, High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, and other prominent chiefs, were present. However, the Risawe was absent from the voting process, and seven others were deemed ineligible.
Outcome Announcement
Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, Head of Local Government Administration for Ilesa West Local Government Council, declared Prince Haastrup as the Owa Obokun-elect, confirming he received the highest number of votes.
The Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, praised the process as peaceful and congratulated Prince Haastrup and the people of Ijesaland on the successful selection.
Governor Adeleke’s Approval
Following the selection, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State officially approved the appointment of Prince Haastrup as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
On the same day, Friday, December 27, 2024, the governor also approved Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye as the Asaoni of Ora Igbomina, another town in Osun State.
Kolapo Alimi, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, confirmed the approvals in a statement issued in Osogbo, noting that they were finalized during an Osun State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Adeleke.
The commissioner highlighted that Prince Haastrup’s appointment follows the demise of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II on September 11, 2024, while Prince Abikoye succeeds Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe, who passed on November 19, 2023.
Governor Adeleke congratulated the new monarchs and urged the indigenes of their respective towns to support the traditional rulers in fostering peace and unity.
