“Before my endorsement as the new Owa Obokun, as part of my vision to develop Ijesaland, I have sponsored many students across Nigeria. I have on record 2000 students who benefited from this project. Many have been empowered, while some have been employed gainfully”
By John Odunayo
Ilesha, the cradle of Ijesaland was the place to be on Friday, 23rd May, the day set aside by the community for the coronation of the new Owa Obokun, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
The coronation ceremony, which held at the royal palace in Ilesa, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora, including traditional rulers, government officials, cultural enthusiasts, and indigenes of Ijesaland.
The event marked the formal installation of the new monarch, who now assumes the revered title of the paramount ruler and spiritual head of the Ijesha people worldwide.
The roll call of who is who in the social, political, relations and traditional circles in attendance spoke volumes of the importance of the occasion and the personality involved.
It included former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former Vice Presidents Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; Osun State Governor, Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Osun State governors Rauf Aregbesola, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Gboyega Oyetola; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, Oba Hakeem Ogungbangbe; and Chief Deji Adeleke, among others.
The ceremony began with traditional rites performed by palace chiefs and kingmakers, affirming the new Owa Obokun’s rightful claim to the throne.
Dressed in elaborate royal regalia and adorned with symbolic beads and a bejeweled crown, the monarch was presented to the people amid chants, drumming, and jubilant dancing by cultural troupes.
President Bola Tinubu, whose address was read on the occasion by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State, canvassed deeper collaboration between traditional authorities and all levels of government to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, congratulated the monarch and pledged his administration’s support for the continued development of Ijesaland.
The governor urged the Owa Obokun to unite the people, preserve Ijesha traditions, and promote peace and progress in the region.
In his address, Oba Haastrup, in his inaugural address, assured the people of Ijesaland of the rapid developmental projects in the ancient city.
The monarch said that he had always been engaged in developmental activities in Ijesaland, said, that his foundation has granted scholarships to no fewer than 2000 students across the country.
He said, “Before my endorsement as the new Owa Obokun, as part of my vision to develop Ijesaland, I have sponsored many students across Nigeria. I have on record 2000 students who benefited from this project, ” the paramount ruler said.
“Many have been empowered, while some have been employed gainfully. Besides, I am confident less than 50 graduates are being incorporated into agriculture and agro allies while some were sent to CSS Nasarawa. They were being trained by the Israeli.
“We are embarking on agricultural business to alleviate unemployment among the youths.
“Skill acquisition is in place for various artisans. This is my initiative to assist our people to boost their business”.
The former deputy governor, who is the 41st Owa Obokun named two major challenges he inherited as Obokun Place and Obokun Town Hall, saying, “both projects have been restructured”.
The newly crowned Owa Obokun expressed gratitude to God, the kingmakers and the people of Ijeshaland for the honor bestowed upon him.
He promised to lead with wisdom, fairness, and humility while calling for collective efforts to advance the cultural heritage and socio-economic well-being of the Ijesa people.
The monarch appreciated the sons and daughters of Ijesaland for their support of the development of Ijesaland.
