Prince Adesuyi Haastrup Elected as the New Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland
Prince Adesuyi Haastrup, a former deputy governor of Osun State, has been elected as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland. The election, which took place at the Ilesa-West Local Government Secretariat, saw Adesuyi emerge victorious over nine other candidates from the Owa Bilaro Olu-Odo ruling house.
Transparent Election Process
The Public Relations Officer of the ruling house, Isaac Haastrup, described the election as transparent and fair. The kingmakers responsible for the selection process included key traditional leaders such as:
- Iwora Mefa Representatives:
- 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
- Seven Agba Ijesa Representatives:
- 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 Ilesa)
- High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe
- Mr. Abimbola Aluko (representing the Saloro of Ilesa, whose stool is currently vacant)
Election Results
Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West, announced the election results, declaring Looja Clement Adesuyi as the winner. She noted that six kingmakers participated in the voting, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent, and seven other representatives were deemed ineligible to vote.
Significance of the Owa-Obokun Stool
The Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland is a prominent traditional leadership position, playing a vital role in the cultural and administrative life of the Ijesa people. With his election, Prince Adesuyi Haastrup is expected to uphold the traditions and foster unity and development within Ijesaland.
Community Expectations
The election has sparked excitement and high expectations among the people of Ijesaland, who look forward to Adesuyi’s leadership and his efforts to strengthen cultural heritage while addressing the developmental needs of the region.
