Adeleke approves selection of ex-Osun deputy gov as Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland

Following the election of former Osun Deputy Governor, Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as Owa-Obokun elect by Ijesa kingmakers, security operatives thronged streets of Ilesa to forestall any breach in the town.

This is as Governor Ademola Adeleke approved his election as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland with immediate effect.
The 48th Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran joined his ancestors in September 2024 after reigning for 42 years, subsequently, a mourning period was declared by the Owa-in-Council after which the process of installing another monarch commenced.

It would be recalled that earlier in December, an Osun State High court presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe restrained Prince Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Attorney-General, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and others from electing and appointing new Owa-Obokun pending the determination of a suit.

Meanwhile, kingmakers of Ijesaland on Friday elected Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, who served as deputy governor to Late Isiaka Adeleke emerged as Owa-Obokun elect.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, Isaac Haastrup on Friday confirmed that Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

According to him, The kingmakers included six Iwora mefa namely Obaala, High chief Ibitoye, Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, Ogboni Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye ( Elegboro), Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, Ogboni Ilesa High Chief Saka Fapohunda, Oba Odo of Ilesa, and seven agba Ijesa, Risawe of Ilesa.

“The seven Agba Ijesa are; High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo, Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi, Arapate of Ilesa, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool , Loro of Ilesa, High Chief Lekan Folorunso, Odole of Ulesa , High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Abimbola Aluko ( warrant officer representing the Saloro of Ilesa whose stool is vacant)”

The statement added the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs Felicia Olabimtan, while announcing the outcome of the election, said Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the owa Obokun elect.

Also, a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi on Friday after the election approved the Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland with immediate effect.

Governor Adeleke while congratulating the newly approved monarch whom he said his choice followed due processes in line with the Chiefs’ law of Osun State 2002 (cap 25), enjoined all sons and daughters of the the towns to co-operate with their new traditional ruler, particularly in allowing peace and unity to take the centre stage.

Meanwhile, there was heavy security presence in Ilesa township on Friday as Military operatives, police among others were stationed at strategic locations in the town.