Former Osun Deputy Governor, Adesuyi Haastrup, Appointed Owa Obokun of Ijesaland Amidst Celebrations

By Our Reporter

Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State from the Bilaro Oluodo ruling house, has emerged as the new Owa Obokun Ajimoko III, the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. His appointment has sparked widespread celebrations, with well-wishers across the country sending heartfelt congratulations and wishes for a long reign.

Haastrup’s ascension to the throne was announced on Friday, December 27, 2024, following an election conducted by the kingmakers at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat in Ilesa. He triumphed over nine other candidates in a transparent and impartial selection process.

The kingmakers who conducted the election included six Iwora media chiefs, while the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, announced the result. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has also approved Haastrup’s appointment as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

The Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, praised the peaceful nature of the election and congratulated Haastrup and the people of Ijesaland for the smooth start to a new era.

A statement issued by Folashade Aliu, the Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at ENL Consortium Ltd—an organization founded by His Royal Highness—expressed gratitude to the many people from all parts of the nation who have extended their congratulations to the new monarch.

The statement highlighted that Haastrup triumphed over nine other candidates in a transparent and impartial selection process. “We deeply appreciate the support from our admirers across the country,” the statement said. “We are pleased to inform everyone that Prince Haastrup emerged victorious in the election, defeating nine other contenders.”

The kingmakers who conducted the election included six Iwora media chiefs, High Chief Ibitoye, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, Ogboni of Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye (Elegboro), Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, Ogboni of Ilesa, High Chief Saka Fapohunda, and several Agba Ijesa chiefs from Ilesa.

The Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, announced the result, confirming that Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup received the highest number of votes and was elected as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

It was noted that six of the kingmakers participated in the election, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent, and seven other members were ineligible to vote.

Following the announcement, both the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, praised the peaceful nature of the election. They also congratulated Haastrup and the people of Ijesaland for the smooth and promising start to a new era.

In a swift response, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved the appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.