Ex-deputy gov, Adesuyi Haastrup, elected Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Osun State deputy governor, Adesuyi Haastrup, has been elected Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.
Earlier in December, Osun State High Court presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe restrained Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, attorney-general of Osun, commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs and others from electing and appointing new Owa-Obokun pending the determination of a suit.
However, on Friday, kingmakers elected Haastrup, who was deputy to the late governor Isiaka Adeleke, as the new Ijesa ruler.
A statement by the spokesman of Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, Isaac Haastrup, confirmed the development.
The statement added the head of local government administration in Ilesa West Local Government Felicia Olabimtan announced Haastrup winner of the election.
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According to him, 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.
The seven Agba Ijesa are High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo, Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi, Arapate of Ilesa, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool, 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).
Also, Adeleke congratulated Haastrup in a statement issued by the Commissioner For Information And Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Friday.
Adeleke enjoined the people to cooperate with their new traditional ruler, particularly in allowing peace and unity to take centre stage.
The 48th Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, died in September 2024 after reigning for 42 years.