Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke presents the staff of office to Oba Clement Haastrup, amidst protests from royal families over his selection as Owa Obokun.
On Sunday, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke officially presented the staff of office to Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the newly elected Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
The presentation came after weeks of objections from royal families within the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, who had strongly criticised the appointment.
The Ofokutu and Arimoro royal families, both part of the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, had raised concerns about the selection process and accused the state government of favouring Oba Haastrup.
The royal families, in separate statements, threatened to take legal action, claiming that the selection was manipulated.
These protests followed the Friday evening approval by Governor Adeleke, who had confirmed Haastrup’s appointment after he was elected by the kingmakers earlier that day.
During the presentation, Governor Adeleke congratulated Oba Haastrup and urged him to work towards uniting the Ijesa people for the development of the region and the state.
The governor highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing the goals of Ijesaland, stressing that the government alone cannot carry the responsibility for development.
“I urge you to rally round all citizens of Ijesaland for the development of the area and the state at large,” Governor Adeleke said in his speech.
“I also encourage you to use your wealth of experience and extensive contacts to attract more progress to the region. There is much work to be done, and it requires the efforts of everyone.”
Governor Adeleke also took the opportunity to emphasise his administration’s ongoing projects in Ijesaland, calling on Ijesa sons and daughters to continue to invest in the region’s growth.
Oba Haastrup, who was elected as the new Owa Obokun, previously served as the Deputy Governor of Osun State under the late Isiaka Adeleke, the first Executive Governor of Osun State, and elder brother to the current governor.
His appointment marks a significant moment in the political and royal landscape of Ijesaland, though it has sparked controversy among the royal families.
As the new monarch, Oba Haastrup faces the challenge of uniting the people of Ijesaland and addressing the concerns of the royal families, as well as leading the region towards future growth and prosperity.
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