Osun ex-deputy governor Haastrup named Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland

The Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house has announced Clement Haastrup, a former deputy governor of Osun state, as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.

The announcement was made on Friday following a selec­tion process involving Ijesaland kingmakers held at the Ilesa West Local Government Sec­retariat.

On September 12, Adekunle Aromolaran, the 48th Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, died at the age of 86.

Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and ruled the ancient city for 42 years.

Haastrup, who served as Isiaka Adeleke’s deputy, is from the Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house.

A statement issued on Friday by Isaac Haastrup, public relations officer of the ruling house, said Haastrup defeated nine candidates in the election.

“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,” he said.

“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 and High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbaroola.

“Also, 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).”

He said Felicia Olabimtan, head of local government administration in Ilesa West LGA, announced that Haastrup secured the highest votes to become the Owa-Obokun elect.

“She said six of the kingmakers voted, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and 7 others were not eligible,” the spokesperson added.

The election of Haastrup has reportedly caused controversy among other ruling families in the Ijesaland, leading to heavy security presence in the town.