An expert in the history of the Ijesa people of Ijesaland in Osun State, Johnson Olowokere, has revealed how the next Owa Obokun of Ijesaland would emerge.
The development followed the demise of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran aged 87q1
Writing on how the next Owa Obokun of Ijesaland will emerge, Olowokere revealed that there are four Ruling Houses in Ijesaland that produce the king, adding that ascension to the throne is by “turn by turn” rotation.
Revealing how the next paramount ruler would be chosen, he said there are 13 High Chiefs and Traditional Rulers who form the Afobaje (Kingmakers) in Ijesaland.
They include the six members of Agbanla or Agba Ijesa Council.
These are Ọbaala of Ilesa, Ogboni of Ipole, Ogboni Ijebu Jesa, Ogboni of Ibokun, Ogboni of Ilesa and Obaodo of Ilesa (The Chief Scribe of ljesaland).
There are also four members of the Aare-in-Council, made up of the Ọdole of Ilesa, Risawe of Ilesa, Saloro of Ilesa and Arapate of Ilesa.
The third category, Elegbe, the traditional military commanders, has three members.
They are the Lejoka of Ilesa, Loro of Ilesa and Lejofi of Ilesa.
Olowokere went further to highlight the four ruling houses that can occupy the throne of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
These include Bilayi Arere (just deceased), which has the Aromolaran and Bẹpo families; Bilaro, the Òro Ajímọkọ Ruling House, which is next in line to produce the next Ọwa, with the Haastrup family belonging to this Ruling House.
There are also the Biladu Ruling House, that should come after Bilaro, which has the Ogunmokun family; and Bilagbayo Ruling House, with the families of Atayerọ, Agunlejika, and Lufadeju among others standing the chance of producing the Owa Obokun.
