Clement Adesuyi Haastrup emerges new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

Isaac Haastrup, spokesperson for the ruling house, confirmed the development in a Facebook post, announcing that Prince Haastrup, formerly the Looja of Ijesaland, has been chosen as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

The selection process took place at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Osogbo motorway. According to Isaac Haastrup, the election was free and fair, with Prince Adesuyi Haastrup emerging victorious among ten candidates.

“The election was conducted in a transparent manner, and Prince Adesuyi Haastrup emerged as the clear winner,” he stated.

The selection involved six kingmakers, including prominent traditional leaders such as Obaala High Chief Ibitoye, Ogboni Ipole Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye. Other participants included the Risawe of Ilesa, High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, and representatives of the seven agba leaders of Ijesa.

Felicia Olabimtan, Head of Local Government Administration for Ilesa West, announced the election results, revealing that Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup secured the highest votes among the eligible kingmakers. Of the six voting kingmakers, one was absent, while seven others were deemed ineligible to participate.

Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, will succeed the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran as the 41st Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

Prince Haastrup previously served as Deputy Governor under the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke from January 1992 to November 1993.