The newly appointed Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, has officially received his Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment, signaling the commencement of his reign. The event, held on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Obokungbusi Town Hall in Ilesa, attracted dignitaries from across Nigeria, including prominent traditional rulers and state officials.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, presented the Staff of Office in a ceremony attended by notable monarchs such as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi. Others included the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, and the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe.
Call for Unity and Development
Governor Adeleke urged Oba Haastrup to leverage his extensive experience and global connections to promote development in Ijesaland. He also called on the people of Ijesa to rally behind the new monarch, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to advancing development across Osun State.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Haastrup emphasized unity, economic growth, and youth empowerment. “The time for contest is over. Let us unite to build a prosperous future for all. For me, there is ‘No Victor, No Vanquished,’” he declared.
The monarch unveiled plans to establish an Ijesa Technical Institute to train artisans, inspired by models in China and Ghana. He also pledged to implement policies promoting agriculture, agro-allied industries, and creative development ventures in Ijesaland.
Zero Tolerance for Land Grabbing
Addressing land disputes, Oba Haastrup promised a zero-tolerance policy for land grabbing, stating, “There shall be no tolerance for land grabbing in my name or the name of any highly placed individual.”
Traditional Rites and Coronation Plans
Following the presentation, the Owa Obokun Media Office announced that Oba Haastrup would enter a seclusion period for traditional rites, with a formal coronation ceremony scheduled later.
“This marks the completion of the official selection process. The new monarch will now proceed to seclusion for traditional rites, after which an elaborate coronation befitting this first-class king will be announced,” the statement read.
Oba Haastrup’s ascension has been met with widespread optimism, as the monarch promises to usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for Ijesaland.
