Prince Adesuyi Haastrup, a successful businessman and former Deputy Governor in Osun State, has been elected as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, marking a significant milestone in the history of Ijesaland.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House of Ilesa, with spokesperson Isaac Haastrup confirming the development to newsmen.
Isaac Haastrup revealed that Prince Adesuyi Haastrup, who was formerly Looja of the Ruling House, was elected as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
In his words: “He defeated nine other candidates in a free and fair selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Oshogbo motorway.
“The kingmakers included six Iwora mefa namely Obaala, High chief Ibitoye; Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye; Ogboni Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye (Elegboro); Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro; Ogboni Ilesa High Chief Saka Fapohunda, Oba Odo of Ilesa, and seven agba Ijesa, Risawe of Ilesa, High Chief Adefioye Adedeji; Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo; Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi; Arapate of Ilesa, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbaroola; Loro of Ilesa, High Chief Lekan Folorunso; Odole of Ulesa, High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Abimbola Aluko (warrant officer representing the Saloro of Ilesa whose stool is vacant).”
Announcing the result, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Felicia Olabimtan said Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the Owa Obokun elect.
According to her, six of the kingmakers voted, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and seven others were not eligible.
Speaking with newsmen after the exercise, the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, described the exercise as peaceful.
