Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke on Sunday presented the Staff of Office to Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, during a ceremony in Ilesa.
Governor Adeleke, in his address, congratulated the new monarch and urged him to embrace his role as a unifying father figure for all Ijeshaland citizens, putting aside competition to focus on development.
He also highlighted his administration’s achievements in Ijeshaland over the past two years, urging continued support for his government’s developmental agenda.
“It is with immense pride and responsibility that I stand before the people of Ijeshaland,” Adeleke said. “Today, we are gathered to present the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the new Owa Obokun. I congratulate the sons and daughters of Ijeshaland, both at home and abroad, for witnessing this historic moment.”
He reminisced about the presentation of the same office to the late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran more than 40 years ago and called for the continuation of his legacy of peace, development, and prosperity in the region.
“We pray that the reign of our new Owa will be just as long, eventful, and peaceful,” Adeleke said. “Kabiyesi, now that the time of competition is over, I urge you to bring all citizens of Ijeshaland together for the development of our state.”
Adeleke emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and the people to achieve meaningful growth, stating that Ijeshaland has already seen significant infrastructure development under his leadership, including the construction of a dual carriageway in Ilesa — a first for the town.
“I urge all Ijesha sons and daughters to continue supporting the development of our fatherland,” he said. “We have made significant strides in infrastructure across the state, and we are committed to doing more.”
In his response, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, who ascended to the throne as the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula, pledged to rule with wisdom, justice, and compassion.
“I accept this noble position with gratitude, knowing it is a divine arrangement,” Haastrup said. “I am humbled and honored by the trust you have placed in me. I promise to protect our land, defend our traditions, and promote peace, prosperity, and happiness for all.”
The new Owa Obokun also vowed to leverage his wide social networks and business experience to bring development to Ijeshaland. “The progress of our land depends on the strength and unity of our people,” he said. “I pledge to listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to address them.”
During the ceremony, Oba Haastrup appointed industrialist Lateef Bakare as the new Ajiroba of Ijeshaland and retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, as the new Gbobaniyi of Ijeshaland.
Bakare, an alumnus of Yaba College of Technology and Brookes University in the UK, is a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Top dignitaries in attendance included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji; Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; and Osun PDP Chairman Hon. Sunday Bisi, among other prominent figures from across the state and Nigeria.
