Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday, formally presented the staff of office and instrument of appointment to the newly installed Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup.
The ceremony, held at the entrance to Obokungbusi town hall in Ilesa, attracted a large gathering of distinguished Nigerians and traditional rulers.
Among those in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun; the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji; the Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; and the Owaloko of Iloko Ijesa, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe, among others.
Oba Haastrup’s enthronement came after the passing of the previous Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who reigned for 40 years before his death on September 12, 2024, at the age of 86.
During his speech at the event, Adeleke encouraged Oba Haastrup to leverage his extensive experience and connections, both within and outside the country, for the progress of Ijesaland.
He also called on Ijesa sons and daughters to continue supporting the region’s development, while reassuring them that his government would accelerate efforts to drive progress across the state.
Oba Haastrup, in his acceptance speech, expressed his commitment to establishing a vocational school in Ilesa for training artisans, to promote local production and self-reliance. He also declared a strong stance against land grabbing in his domain, urging everyone to unite for the advancement of Ijesaland.
“The time for the contest is now over. Let us come together and unite to build a stronger and more prosperous future for all the people of Ijesaland. For me, there is ‘No Victor, No Vanquished,’” he declared.
He further acknowledged the resilience and resourcefulness of the youth in Ijesaland, promising that a new era had begun.
“Modalities shall be put in place to promote the productive engagement of our teeming youths in Ijesaland,” he added.
Oba Haastrup outlined a vision for the economic growth of Ijesaland, focusing on agriculture, agro-allied industries, and supporting creative and strategic ventures.
He also committed to tackling land grabbing, ensuring that no one, regardless of status, would benefit from such practices in his kingdom.
“There shall be zero tolerance for land grabbing in my name and the name of other persons, no matter how highly placed,” he stated.
As part of his plans, the traditional ruler emphasized the establishment of the Ijesa Technical Institute to train skilled artisans, drawing inspiration from the successes of similar institutions in countries like China and Ghana.
Following the ceremony, Oba Haastrup entered seclusion to observe other traditional rites, with a coronation party scheduled at a later date.
A statement from the Owa Obokun Media Office confirmed that, after the official selection process that began on December 27, 2024, the presentation of the staff of office marked the completion of his installation.
The date for the elaborate coronation party, which will celebrate the new king’s ascension, would be announced once he completes his seclusion and the required rites.
