Excitement swept through the ancient town of Ilesa, Osun State, on Friday as Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup was crowned the 49th Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in a colourful ceremony attended by dignitaries and traditional rulers from across Nigeria.
As early as 8:00 a.m., residents clad in vibrant traditional attire thronged the streets, making their way to the Owa Obokun-Busi Hall, the venue of the coronation. The town buzzed with activity as schoolchildren waved miniature flags and scores of people gathered at the palace entrance in anticipation of the historic event.
heavy vehicular movement seen in the town, with security operatives strategically stationed to maintain order. Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were on hand to direct traffic and ensure the smooth flow of movement.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola; and former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. Also present were business magnate, Dr Deji Adeleke; Senator Francis Fadahunsi; and Yeye Dupe Sani-Adeleke.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, led a retinue of traditional rulers to the event, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Laoye, among others.
Oba Haastrup, a former deputy governor of Osun State, was selected as Owa-elect on 27 December 2024 following a rigorous selection process conducted by kingmakers at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat. He hails from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
His ascension follows the passing of the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who died on 11 September 2024 at the age of 87.
Despite a legal challenge, an Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa on Thursday declined to halt the coronation, clearing the way for the historic occasion.
The coronation ceremony featured the formal installation of Oba Haastrup, including the presentation of the staff and other paraphernalia of office, officially marking the beginning of his reign as the paramount ruler of Ijesaland.
The event marks a new chapter in the history of the Ijesa people, as they welcome a monarch widely regarded for his public service experience and deep cultural heritage.
