Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup: Marching Into A Glorious Reign With Majesty

The rich culture and tradition of the people of Ijesaland and by extension, Yorubaland, was in full display as the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, officially began his reign. In this report, SODIQ YUSUF chronicles the events of the coronation and its significance.

THERE is always a point in life when every human gets his/her date with destiny. Such dates are priceless and can come at any point in life. It is a reminder of one of the common sayings of the Yoruba ethnic extraction, where the journey of life is divided into three – the Morning, Afternoon and Night Stages. A prayer from that saying goes thus: “May the latter/night stage of our life be better than what it was in the morning.” It is one that denotes that one’s nighttime is filled with bountiful and plenty blessings more than one ever experienced either in childhood or during one’s prime.

The Head that will wear the Crown is a divine providence on whoever has that opportunity. This is because Kings are from the millions of Princes birthed in an household in a lifetime. It is a divine and rare grace bestowed by the creator. Perhaps, this is why Clement Adesuyi Haastrup’s old age is when destiny has decided to come to fruition with him becoming not just a King, but an Imperial Majesty presiding over 101 other domains in the entire Ijesaland, radiating in God’s absolute majesty.

The crux of activities marking the ascension to the throne of the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland climaxed on Friday, May 23, 2025 after five months in seclusion to complete the traditional rites in accordance with tradition. Activities leading to his official coronation and events of the d-day were full of indices that the people of Ijesaland are in for a glorious reign filled with unqauntifiable and resounding progress.

Selected from the Bilaro Ruling House, Owa Clement Haastrup has had an illustrious career, rising from first being a pharmacist, politician, astute community leader and later a businessman leader to becoming the first democratically elected Deputy Governor of Osun State at creation in 1991, among many other life’s personal feats. His records of philantrophy, service to his state and country, as well as veritable interventions is community development all culminated to him getting the highest number of votes to succeed Owa Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran III who joined his forebears in September 2024. 

From the array of dignitaries, government officials, top politicians, reverred traditional rulers, captains of industry, socialities, business moguls among other eminent personalities from all walks of life that graced the coronation, one would easily conclude that Owa Haastrup Ajimoko III has the experience, requisite know-how and the solid connection that it takes to successfully lead his people.

Right from entry into major towns in Ijesaland to Ilesa, the seat of the Owa Obokun Adimula, the atmosphere was electric, with sons and daughters of Ijesaland trooping out en masse to welcome their new King. It was a flurry of activities and even the lame was begging to be lifted to share in the euphoria of the occasion.

Led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented by his nephew and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice Presidents, Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, Governors Ademola Adeleke, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Seyi Makinde represented by his deputy, Barr. Adebayo Lawal, former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, among others, graced the epoch-making event. 

The event also attracted the presence of notable traditional rulers in Yorubaland, including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji and others.

Beyond the array of dignitaries at the event was the beautiful display of culture and tradition by various groups and associations in Ijesaland. More beautiful to see was the lineup of students from the Ereja roundabout to Ilesa Grammar School where the reception held.

As early as 5 am, residents of the town had trooped out massively to witness the crowning of their new king, with major streets adorned with musicians, drummers and other entertainers savouring the momentous occasion.

Messages of Hope

At the event, President Bola Tinubu represented by former governor Oyetola announced the approval of the Ilesa/Ife/Ibadan expressway, pledging to see to its total rehabilitation.

He also congratulated Owa Haastrup on his ascension to the throne, assuring the people of Ijesaland of the monarch’s commitment to attracting the much-needed development to his domain.

Tinubu said, “As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Oyetola reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to grassroots development, announcing that the President has ordered the release of an intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan expressway-which is critical to the economic vitality of Osun and neighbouring states.

“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Oyetola reaffirmed President Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to grassroots development, announcing that the President has ordered the release of an intervention fund for the rehabilitation of the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan expressway, which is critical to the economic vitality of Osun and neighbouring states.”

Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his address, described the new Owa as a gentleman with loyalty and patriotism as his trademarks.

He recalled, “As the Deputy Governor to my late brother, the first Executive Governor of Osun State, late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, our new Owa Adimula demonstrated absolute loyalty and supportive backing. As a businessman, he climbed to the top of the ladder in his sector, making him one of the most successful business executives in Nigeria.”

He reaffirmed his commitment towards the overall development of Ijesaland as he disclosed that the University of Ilesa is now offering over 50 courses which are accredited.

 

“I am glad to announce that the General Hospital, Ilesa has been approved as the Teaching Hospital for the University of Ilesa. This will boost Ilesa as a centre of medical excellence.

“We are focused on the upgrading of Ilesa to a modern city. Hence, we are almost completing the over 12 kilometers Ereja Square-Brewery Junction dual carriageway. This landmark project for the first time is opening up Ilesa for business and pleasure.”

Other dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, extolled Owa Haastrup’s legacy of commitment and service to the people, assuring him of their maximum support for a successful reign.

A New Dawn For Ijesaland

In his inaugural address, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III, flanked by his Queens, Olori Omolara and Olori Vicky promised to elevate the legacy of his forebears.

While thanking dignitaries and other well-wishers, the Owa Obokun Adimula urged well meaning individuals to contribute to the growth of the N1bn Ijesaland Development Fund to create jobs and facilitate the development of the community.

Owa Ajimoko III also urged all stakeholders to join hands with him to move his domain forward.

It is indeed a new dawn for the people of Ijesaland with a new monarch guided and guarded by his forebears, the Owa-in-council, traditional institution, his community, and the world at large, ready to raise the developmental aspirations and trajectory of his people even higher.

Long May You Reign, Owa Ajimoko III!