Former Osun State Deputy Governor, Clement Haastrup, has been reportedly selected as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
It was gathered that Haastrup, from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, emerged as the Owa-elect during a selection process conducted by kingmakers at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday.
Confirming the development, a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Bilaro Ruling House, Isaac Haastrup, described the process as free and fair.
The statement read partly, “Looja Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
“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.
“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, High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool, 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)
“Announcing the result, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs Felicia Olabimtan said Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the Owa Obokun elect.”
While some kingmakers declined to comment on the outcome, the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, confirmed that he participated in the voting but stated that he was unaware of the results.
He said, “I only voted, I don’t know the result. Thank you.”
The PUNCH contacted two kingmakers, Elegboro of Ijebu Jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, and the Ogboni of Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye.
While Oba Oyeleye requested time before he could confirm the emergence of Haastrup, Oba Agunsoye did not pick call or respond to a message sent to him.
