In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Personal Secretary, Mr. John Abe, the Palace described the misrepresentation as futile attempt to distort the process of selecting the Odole of Ilesa, declaring such claim as “unrealistic and delusional”, null and void.

The Palace stated categorically that the Governor of Osun State will only approve the selection and appointment of an Odole whenever the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland completes the selection process and notifies the state government.

The statement recalled that the last Odole of Ilesa in government’s record was High Chief Ayinde Oladele Jeje, who was made the substantive Odole upon the notification of the government by then Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.

The Palace maintained that Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran had not notified the state government of the completion of the selection of Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe before his passing, despite the length of the intervening period and invariably Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe remained an ordinary person.

Consequent upon this, Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe was unable to vote during the process of the selection of Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

The Palace summed up all these and advised members of the public not to accord the self-same Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe “any recognition and any acts carried out by him under such false titular claim.”

Below is the full text of the press statement by the Owa’s Palace:

PUBLIC NOTICE

FROM THE PALACE OF OWA OBOKUN OF IJESALAND

We refer to a purported press release on the Odole Chieftaincy Stool signed by one Pastor Olumide Asaolu dated 25th October 2025, in which he attempted to distort the facts on the process of selection of Odole in Ilesa.

We state without any equivocation that the Governor will only approve the selection and appointment of Odole whenever Owa Obokun of Ijesaland completes the selection process and notifies the state government.

The former Odole, High Chief Ayinde Oladele Jeje, who is the last Odole of Ilesa in government’s record, was made the substantive Odole upon the notification of the government by Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran had not notified the state government of the completion of the selection of Mr Adebola Orolugbagbe before his demise, despite the length of the intervening period and invariably Mr. Adebola Adelugbagbe remained an ordinary person, consequent upon which he was unable to vote during the process of the selection of Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

Therefore, Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe’s claim to any title is unrealistic and delusional.

Members of the public are strongly advised not to accord Mr. Adebola Orolugbagbe any recognition and any acts carried out by him under such false titular claim are null and void and of no effect.

e-SIGNED.

JOHN ABE

PERSONAL SECRETARY

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Within the heart of Osun State in southwestern Nigeria, the drums are being beaten, the women are singing, and the men are gathering in numbers as the people of Ijesaland, from north, south and the diaspora trip into Ilesa, the cultural stronghold, and the historical capital of Ijesaland to witness the magnificent display of royal splendour and the euphoria that heralds the installation and the coronation of a new king, a fresh face and good looking ‘fine man’, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

Rich in oral history, festivals, and spiritual customs, Ijesaland stands as a vibrant example of Yoruba excellence. The people are renowned for their deep respect for education, eloquence in language, and unwavering pride in their heritage. Whether it’s in their meticulously preserved traditional rites or their globally recognised contributions to law, politics, and academia, the Ijesas continue to shape Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual narrative.

The Ijesas are widely recognised for their entrepreneurial spirit and academic excellence. They are known as a unique set of people that embodies the values of hard work, education ingenuity, good leadership, discipline, and tenacity. Ijesaland has produced numerous icons in politics, law, academia, and business. The roll call of honour of distinguished and esteemed Ijesas among several, includes the likes of late Chief Bola Ige, the former Attorney General of Nigeria and Governor of Old Oyo State; Justice Kayode Eso, respected jurist and former Supreme Court Justice; Joseph Odeleye Fadahunsi, founded the Ijesa United Transport Company; Lawrence Omole, an Ijesa entrepreneur, known for his mark in the cocoa trade and transportation industry; Professor Isaac Adewole, a former Minister of Health and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan; Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a broadcaster and diplomat, among other several ijesa sons and daughters who are giants and captains across commerce, enterprise and top-notch professional positions and the social-political landscape.

• Gen Zs, Owa Obokun and the linkages to Ijesa’s future

While the pomp and pageantry associated with the installation of Oba Haastrup continue to gather momentum, the opportunity also affords to establish and connect the old and passing generation with the new and emerging generation. From historical perspectives, the generation that have renaissance of what the installation of Owa Obokun signifies would be the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) and the Gen X (1965-1980) to an extent, being, that the last coronation before now, which was for Oba Aromolaran took place more than 40 years ago.

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For the Millennials (1981-1996) and the Gen Z (1997 -2012), the installation of Oba Haastrup is something to relate with, as a fresh face of royalty that exudes confidence and hope. The new Owa Obokun is indeed a handsome man! His clean, fresh and light skin face, as seen from his official coronation pictures reflects a glow of simple opulence, confident calmness and a welcoming look that gives an appearance that the youth and emerging generation would want to identify with.

Indeed, the new Owa of Ijesaland, with his age, experience and background represents the face of the future of Ijesaland; a king who the Generation X, the Millennials and the Gen Z  would have to relate with over the next couple of years as God grants him grace of many years on the throne.

Across Nigeria and beyond, the Millennials and the Gen Z of Ijesa origin need to be more engaged and involved in understanding and appreciating the cultural values of our heritage as Ijesas, and the good looking King, his Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, holds the ace in engaging Ijesa youths to ensure that they do not lose the essence of the future of their nativity, as proud sons and daughters of Ijesaland.

Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as a fresh face is not only for the moment—but also for the future; the movement for to integrate Ijesa sons and daughters into the development agenda.

Oba Clement Haastrup, as the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, represent an icon of royalty; a fresh face of delight and a symbol that the youth can identify with.

His calm, matured and endearing looks gives one the feeling of confidence that he would be a listening ruler, a caring father, a wise ruler and a confident king whose heart is large and open to carry the old; men and women; the young and next generation progeny of Ijesas to the promise land of greater development, connected, harmonious and prosperous Ijesa land.

In a world shaped by fast-paced technology and instant communication, there is need to ensure that the activities connected with the Owa throne is not limited to physical ceremonies in Ilesa alone, but to ensure that the throne operates at a global scale cross cutting  commitments to Ijesas across Nigeria and the diaspora in terms of youth empowerment, heritage education, and community development initiatives using engagement and information dissemination challenges available via social media platforms.

The reality is that the traditional throne is no longer confined to palace walls. For a monarch like Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, engaging with the younger generation is not just important—it is essential.

Today’s youth, born into the digital age, connect and relate through screens, stories, and streams, handy and right there within reach via an internet powered digital devices; the smartphone, i-phones, laptops, tablets, Smartwatches, etc. For the youths, relating and communicating online isn’t just a about belonging, it’s a lifestyle. Digital tools aren’t just accessories or play things for youths; they are extension for the formulation and expression of their thought, creativity, learning, and identity.

Hence, if the throne must remain a living institution and have relevance for posterity of the next generation of Ijesas, then its voice must travel where the youth already live: the social media.

To reach Gen Z and millennial audiences, the Owa can make powerful use of platforms like Instagram, re-telling the story of Ijesaland in a format the youth instantly understand; on X (formerly Twitter), speaking directly and boldly; on YouTube, featuring royalty in video story telling and documentaries, (especially connecting with Ijesas in diaspora longing to reconnect with their roots); and on creating relevance via Facebook posts, groups and pages, as a valuable tool for community announcements, broadcast of live events, —ensuring that tradition is not just maintained, but widely seen and shared.

As a fresh face and a royal Icon for the youths of Ijesaland, platforms like TikTok remain viable to show clips showcasing traditional dances, native attire, folklore, or everyday life of te Ijesa nativity that can spark viral interest, while LinkedIn provides a unique space for the Owa to engage with professionals, scholars, and policy-makers, spotlighting initiatives in education, agribusiness, and innovation—rallying partnerships to benefit Ijesaland’s future.

To bring all of this to life, the palace would benefit from assembling a small but dynamic media team—made up of a crop of young and innovative creative minds, mixed with a blend of experienced older folks who understand both the royal protocols and the language of the internet, and who, working together, can shape a communication strategy that reflects the dignity of the throne and the vibrancy of its people; for Ijesa people, at home, across Nigeria and the diaspora.

In doing so, Oba Haastrup, as a fresh face, will not only reign in the physical world, but also in the digital consciousness of a new generation, who are the future of the Ijesaland heritage.

• Oba Haastrup, a fresh face indeed

The new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, stands as a distinguished figure—royalty wrapped in quiet elegance and purposeful leadership. Born on September 19, 1948, into the revered Ajimoko royal family of Ijesaland in Osun State, his early path was marked by academic excellence. He attended Eko Boys’ High School in Lagos between 1963 and 1967, later advancing to the Federal School of Science, before journeying abroad to earn a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Guided by both providence and personal drive, Oba Haastrup transitioned into politics and, in a defining moment in 1990, was elected Deputy Governor of Osun State, serving with distinction under the leadership of the late Governor Isiaka Adeleke. His tenure was marked by commitment to governance and public service during a pivotal era in the State’s history.

Following his time in public office, Oba Haastrup turned his focus to the private sector, where his visionary instincts flourished. In 2002, he founded ENL Consortium Limited, a company that has since evolved into a dynamic conglomerate with investments spanning power generation, port operations, real estate development, hospitality, and infrastructure construction. His leadership has steered the company to prominence in the Nigerian business community.

• A fresh face, for the moment and for a movement

Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as a fresh face is not only for the moment—but also for the future; the movement for to integrate Ijesa sons and daughters into the development agenda. He represents the linkage between two generations; holding unto the ancient traditions, and yet positioned to ignite the light of the future for inclusion and cultural relevance that the Milllienals and Gen Z can identify with.

Here’s to a glorious, peaceful, harmonious and prosperous reign of his Imperial Majesty, Owa Obokun; the fresh face, good looking and modern monarch to be admired and adored. Kabiyesi oooo.

*Falobi (ANIPR, FIMC), certified management consultant; NGO intraprenuer; biographer; freelance journalist and communications strategist, is an Ijesa son, and the Project Manager with the International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos.

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His death was announced in a statement signed by Asiwaju of Ijesa, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, on Thursday in Osogbo.

Oba Aromolaran, a first class traditional ruler, who ascended the throne on February 20, 1982,  spent 42 years on the throne until his demise.

Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, has commiserated with the family and people of Ijesa on the passage of the traditional ruler.

Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, described the late traditional ruler as a “father-figure, a pillar of support and a teacher” who was deeply committed to the development of the Ijesa and the state.

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The governor eulogised the late traditional ruler for his boldness, candour, elegance and literary energy, through which he inspired the people during his reign as Owa Obokun.

Adeleke acknowledged the late monarch’s unwavering support for his administration, “even in challenging times.”

He added: “Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.

“The last time I was with him was the inauguration of work for the dual carriage way of Brewery-Palace.

“I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijesa.

“We will miss him but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun will never be forgotten.

“On behalf of the government and people of Osun,  I condole with the industrious people of Ijesa, the Owa Obokun Traditional Council, the immediate family and all of us, who are definitely affected by his exit.”

Source: NAN

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It was learnt that blood flowed as rival suspected cultists clashed at Brewery, Ifofin, Idasa and Irojo areas of the town on Monday and extended to Tuesday,  leaving behind dead bodies.

Mr Busuyi Agunbiade, a resident of the area, said the clash started from Irojo, around 7 p.m. before it spread to other communities where the cult groups had strongholds.

“Some guys on motorcycle suddenly started shooting around Irojo inflicting injury on residents in the area, forcing them to scamper for safety.

“Then, in what looks like a revenge attack, another set confronted them and both groups engaged in shootout.

“Other cultists from other hideouts joined in the fracas thereby spreading the crisis to other parts of the town.

“About 10 people were killed in different areas of the town, majorly of who are cult members,” he said.

Agunbiade said that shop owners quickly locked their shops while residents also ran for safety, thereby deserting the major streets in the town.

A man was killed by some people suspected to be cult members at Atakumosa East local government  on February 19 during the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election in the state.

There have been pockets of cult attacks in the ancient town for some time now, and the situation has been a major source of concern for the residents.

Reacting to the suspected cult clash that claimed lives, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, condemned cult groups killings in Ijesaland.

Aromolaran described the recent killings as disturbing and unacceptable.

He called on security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities.

He appealed to traditional rulers, chiefs and politicians to support law enforcement agencies’ efforts at restoring peace in the land.

Aromolaran also warned that behaviours that were inimical to the rich culture of his domain would not be condoned.

Osun Police Command spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, who confirming the killings, however, said only five persons were killed in the cult war.

“More special police units have been deployed to the hotspots to curb breakdown of law and order,” she said.

Also contacted, state spokesperson for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Olabisi Atanda, said security operatives were on top of the situation and that peace had returned to the affected areas.

Source: NAN

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