Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been chosen as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, succeeding the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran as the 49th Owa Obokun.
The selection took place on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat in Osun State. Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor to ex-Governor Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, emerged victorious over nine other contenders in a peaceful and well-organized process conducted by traditional kingmakers.
Key decision-makers in the selection included the six Iwora Mefa and seven Agba Ijesa, with High Chief Adefioye Adedeji absent and seven others deemed ineligible to vote. Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West, announced Haastrup as the winner, noting that he secured the majority of votes.
Traditional leaders, such as Oba Festus Awogboro, the Ogboni of Ibokun, and Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijesaland, praised the process’s transparency and extended their congratulations to Haastrup and the Ijesa people.
Shortly after the kingmakers’ decision, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke approved Haastrup’s appointment during a meeting of the Osun State Executive Council in Osogbo. The Governor also approved the appointment of Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye as the Asaoni of Ora Igbomina, following the passing of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe.
Kolapo Alimi, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, announced the appointments, noting the historical significance of these transitions. Governor Adeleke congratulated the new monarchs and urged community members to support their traditional rulers in fostering peace and unity.
Prince Haastrup’s emergence signals a new era for Ijesaland, with high hopes for progress and unity under his leadership.
