The coronation ceremonies for Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup the newly selected 49th Owa Obokun Adimula and ruler of Ijesaland, are scheduled to begin on May 16, 2025, in Ilesa, Osun State.
According to a statement released Thursday by Shola Oshunkeye, chairman of the media and publicity sub-committee of the coronation committee, the week-long celebration will culminate in the official installation of Oba Adesuyi, former deputy governor of Osun State, on Friday, May 23, at the Owa’s Palace in Ilesa.
“All events will hold at Ilesa, the capital and heartland of Ijesaland, where strong indications have already emerged that the epoch would be an iconic representation of royal pageantry rarely witnessed in this clime,” Oshunkeye declared.
Festivities will commence with a Jumat service at the Ilesa Central Mosque on May 16 at 1 p.m., followed by a cultural celebration at the Obokungbusi Hall the next day.
That Saturday evening, the palace courtyard will host a grand Isese night in honour of Yoruba traditional spirituality.
Royal engagements continue on Monday, May 19, with visits to Ijesa zones from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Tuesday, May 20, sporting fervour takes over as the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa marathon kicks off at 7 a.m., followed by the football competition final and an awards ceremony at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports Arena.
Wednesday, May 21, is dedicated to charity, with planned visits to orphanages across Ilesa by distinguished guests. That afternoon, the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF) will host a video documentary screening and a workshop at the University of Ilesa.
On Thursday, May 22, activities move to Iloko-Ijesa, where a golf kitty and symposium will be held at the Royal Park International Hotel. During the event, the Ajimoko III Foundation will unveil its scholarship and empowerment scheme.
The coronation proper will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23, with a reception to follow at Ilesa Grammar School by 1 p.m. The celebrations are expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The week of events will conclude with a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, on Sunday, May 25.
The ascension of Oba Haastrup comes after a period of contention.
In December 2024, an Osun State High Court in Ilesa restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and his aides from appointing any prince, including Prince Clement Adesuyi and members of the Haastrup family, as the new Owa-Obokun.
The throne became vacant following the death of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran in September 2024.
