- Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, officially presented the staff of office to Oba Adesuyi Haastrup in Ilesa, to start the reign of a new king
- Oba Haastrup vowed to prioritise community unity, combat land grabbing, and establish a vocational institute to empower artisans and reduce unemployment
- Following the presentation of the staff of office, Oba Haastrup entered seclusion for traditional rites, with a coronation date to be announced later
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, officially presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to Oba Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.
The ceremony, held on Sunday, December 29, at Obokungbusi town hall in Ilesa, was graced by prominent Nigerians and traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun; and other distinguished royal fathers.
The enthronement of Oba Haastrup follows the passing of his predecessor, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who ruled for 40 years and died on September 12, 2024, at the age of 86.
Speaking at the event, Governor Adeleke commended the new monarch’s vast experience and urged him to harness his local and international connections for the development of Ijesaland. He also assured the community of his administration’s commitment to statewide developmental efforts.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Haastrup pledged to prioritise unity, development, and the empowerment of the people.
“The time for the contest is now over. Let us come together and unite to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all the people of Ijesaland. For me, there is no Victor, no vanquished,’” the monarch said, making a reference to the famous statement made by General Yakubu Gowon after the Nigerian civil war ended.
He outlined plans to establish a vocational school in Ilesa to train artisans, reduce unemployment, and boost local production. He also promised to combat land grabbing in Ijesaland, declaring zero tolerance for such practices.
Oba Haastrup announced initiatives to promote economic growth through agriculture, agro-allied industries, and strategic development ventures.
“There shall be zero tolerance for land grabbing in my name or that of others, no matter how highly placed. Efforts shall be made towards the establishment of Ijesa Technical Institute, focusing on producing skilled artisans, as seen in countries like China and Ghana,” he added.
Following the presentation of the staff of office, Oba Haastrup commenced his seclusion for traditional rites. A statement from the Owa Obokun Media Office confirmed that a date for his elaborate coronation ceremony would be announced after the seclusion period.
Oba Haastrup is not a stranger to leadership roles. He served as a former deputy governor of Osun State in the early 1990s and will look to redefine what it means to be an eminent Yoruba monarch.
Ijesa chiefs and late monarch Aromolaran’s family in dispute over funeral fees
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the family of the late Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, accused members of the Owa-in-Council of engaging in extortion and actions that undermined the communal values upheld by the late monarch.
These allegations were made in a statement titled, “Response to Various Publications Concerning the Just Concluded Celebration of Life Events for His Imperial Majesty, Late Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LLD, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland (Owa Aromolaran II).”
