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The Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Ruling House in Ilesa, Osun State, has rejected the selection of ex-deputy governor of the state, Loja Adesuyi Haastrup, as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
Haastrup, who hails from Ajimoko Royal Family of the same ruling house, was elected by the kingmakers at a meeting held at the premises of Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat, Ilesa on Friday.
His selection was subsequently approved by the state governor, Ademola Adeleke.
But the Ofokutu royal family, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Prince Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, said the family would approach court to seek redress over the matter.
The statement partly read, “We the members of Ofokutu Royal Family were shocked to be informed that a new Owa was selected in what can only be described as an afront to the age-old tradition of the emergence of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland
“The Ofokutu Royal Family hereby dissociates itself from this taboo, and states unequivocally that it rejects the purported Owa-elect and the flawed and illegal process through which he was selected.
“The Ofokutus regard this as an imposition, and will pursue every legal means to defend the right of the Ijesa to follow their tradition in the selection of their most revered Oba and restore the battered image, honour and pride of our people.”
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TUNDE ADELEKE, Osogbo
A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup has emerged the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
Recall that Oba Aromolaran, who was the 48th Owa-Obokun, passed away at the age of 86 after a remarkable reign of over 42 years.
Haastrup, a descendant of Ajimoko Royal Family, who served as Deputy Governor during the administration of late Senator Isiaka Adeleke from January 1992 to November 1993, will be succeeding late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran as the 49th Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
The Public Relations Officer of Bilaloro ruling house, Issac Haastrup, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, noted that Haastrup defeated nine other candidates in a selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat, of the State.
The statement partly reads, “Looja Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
“He defeated nine other candidates in a free and fair selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Oshogbo motorway.
“The kingmakers included six Iwora mefa mamely 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. 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)
“Announcing the result, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, mrs Felicia Olabimtan said Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the owa Obokun elect.
“She said six of the kingmakers voted, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and 7 others were not eligible.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved with immediate effect, the appointments of Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land.
Adeleke in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, noted that effect, indicates that the approval of the monarch was ratified and approved during the seating of the Osun State Executive Council Meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Friday.
Adeleke 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 town to co-operate with their new traditional ruler, particularly in allowing peace and unity to take the centre stage.”
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A prince from the Bilagbayo Ruling House, Femi Omoniyi, has called on the kingmakers in Ijesaland to ensure fairness and equity in the selection of the new Owa Obokun.
The call comes following the death of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
Omoniyi’s appeal comes as the traditional council begins deliberations on the next monarch.
Oba Aromolaran, DAILY POST recalled, died on September 13, 2024, at the age of 87.
Prince Omoniyi, in a statement issued on Wednesday, urged the kingmakers to follow due process and resist any efforts to manipulate the succession.
While stressing the importance of a swift and transparent process to avoid a prolonged vacancy on the throne, Omoniyi cautioned some members of the Bilaro Ruling House against premature campaigning.
He also emphasized the need for all parties to prioritize the unity and overall interest of Ijesaland.
In his words, “Ijesaland is an epitome of integrity and hard work, and any attempt to pick the wrong person to ascend the throne of Owa Obokun will further polarize the entire Ijesaland and deal a devastating blow to the peace and tranquillity currently being enjoyed by all and sundry.”
Ilesa, a town in Osun State, was plunged into mourning on Thursday following the passing of its king, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran.
Condolences have poured in from far and wide, including by President Bola Tinubu, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others.
The announcement of the monarch’s death was made in a statement signed by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi.
Oba Aromolaran, who was 86 years old, passed away after a 42-year reign.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his sadness over the passing of the Ijesa monarch, praising his contributions to nation-building and the education sector, in particular.
“As a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies. On behalf of the Federal Government, President Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler,” Onanuga said.
Ex-President Obasanjo, in a condolence message delivered by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, noted that the late Oba Aromolaran used his influence to advocate for peace, understanding, and development in Ijesaland and across Osun State.
“His wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be deeply missed. His formidable contributions to the development of his community, the state, and the country will remain indelible in the memory of all who had the privilege to know him,” Obasanjo said.
“It is a measure of his selfless and qualitative service to our dear country that he was honoured with the revered national award of Commander of the Federal Republic,” he added.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sadness over the monarch’s death on his X.com handle. He wrote, “The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me. Each time I visited him, he accorded me the homecoming welcome of a son. We all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his sorrow over the monarch’s death, describing him as “a father figure and a pillar of support.” In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said, “We will miss him dearly, but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.”
“Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and the well-being of the people. He was a friend of good governance, regardless of political affiliation,” Adeleke added. “The last time I was with him was during the flag-off of the dualisation of Brewery-Palace Road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijesaland.”
The Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Samson Oyeleye, has declared a seven-day mourning period for the late Aromolaran. In an official confirmation of the monarch’s passing, Oba Oyeleye, who is the chairman of the Ijesa South Traditional Council, said, “I want to confirm and announce the transition to glory of His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, a foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria, who passed away on Wednesday, September 11th. He reigned for 42 years during which he served as the Chairman of the Osun State Traditional Council and the Chairman of the Ijesaland Traditional Council.”
“During his reign, Ijesaland saw the establishment of its university, the University of Ilesa, and the completion of the Ijesaland Generative Center, one of the largest community-funded projects in Nigeria. We have declared a seven-day mourning period in his honor. A curfew will be in place from today, starting at 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and all markets in Ijesaland will be closed for three days starting tomorrow.”
“Since our king’s influence extends across Ijesaland, including Ilesa West, East, Atakumosa East, West, Oriade, and Obokun Local Government Areas of Osun State, we urge all residents of Ijesaland to observe this announcement. The curfew will be in effect for the next seven days.”