The Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Looja Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland at the age of 76.
Haastrup emerged victorious in a competitive selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Oshogbo motorway. He defeated nine other candidates in what has been described as a transparent and fair exercise.
The selection process involved kingmakers from various regions, including six Iworas: 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; and Oba Odo of Ilesa. Seven other agba Ijesa were also present: Risawe of Ilesa, 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; and Mr. Abimbola Aluko, representing the Saloro of Ilesa, whose stool remains vacant.
Announcing the result, Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, confirmed that Looja Clement Adesuyi Haastrup secured the highest votes to become the Owa Obokun-elect.
“Six of the kingmakers cast their votes, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent, and seven others were deemed ineligible to vote,” Olabimtan explained.
Speaking after the exercise, the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, and the Elegboro of Ijesaland, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, commended the process, describing it as peaceful. They extended their congratulations to the Owa-elect and the people of Ijesaland, expressing optimism for a new era under his leadership.
“This is the dawn of a smooth and progressive era for Ijesaland. We congratulate Looja Clement Adesuyi Haastrup and believe his reign will bring peace and prosperity to our land,” said Oba Agunsoye.
