Former deputy governor of Osun State, Clement Haastrup has reportedly been chosen as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
Haastrup, representing the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, emerged as the Owa-elect following a selection process conducted by traditional kingmakers at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday.
Isaac Haastrup, the Public Relations Officer of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, confirmed the development and described the selection process as transparent and fair.
“Looja Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the Owa Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland,” the statement read.
The process saw Haastrup defeat nine other contenders, securing the majority of votes. The selection was conducted by key kingmakers, including six Iwora Mefa chiefs: 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 Agba Ijesa also participated, including 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, representing the Saloro of Ilesa, whose stool is currently vacant.
Announcing the results, Mrs. Felicia Olabimtan, the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West, stated that Clement Adesuyi Haastrup secured the highest number of votes to become the Owa Obokun-elect.
