There was a heavy security presence in Ilesa on Friday, December 27, 2024, following the election of Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, former Deputy Governor of Osun State, as the Owa-Obokun-elect from the Bilaro Ruling House. The throne became vacant after the death of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran in September 2024, who had reigned for 42 years. Following his passing, the High Chiefs declared a mourning period and initiated the process of selecting a new monarch.
Despite a court order issued earlier this month by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of an Osun State High Court, which restrained the election or appointment of a new Owa-Obokun until a pending suit was resolved, Prince Haastrup emerged as the Owa-Obokun-elect. The court order had specifically prevented the involvement of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Attorney-General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the election process.
In a statement on Friday, Isaac Haastrup, the Public Relations Officer of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, confirmed that Clement Haastrup had been elected as Owa-Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. The election process, which took place at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat, saw Haastrup defeat nine other candidates in what was described as a “free and fair selection.”
The kingmakers involved in the selection included six Iwora Mefa and several prominent chiefs from the Ijesa community, with the results announced by Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government. According to the announcement, six kingmakers participated in the voting, with High Chief Adefioye Adedeji absent and seven others ineligible to vote.
Amid the election process, military operatives were deployed to strategic locations in Ilesa, ensuring tight security throughout the town. This development comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the succession process and concerns about the impact of the recent court order on the election of the new monarch.
