The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has officially appointed Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland. Additionally, Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye has been named the Asaoni of Ora Igbomina.
This announcement was made by Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, who shared the news in Osogbo on Friday. He indicated that the appointments were confirmed during a meeting of the Osun State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Adeleke.
In the meantime, Governor Ademola Adeleke also during the State Executive Council meeting today, the last in the year 2024, passed a vote of confidence on all members of his Excutive Council for what the Governor described as a job well done in the about to be concluded year 2024.
The Governor who was extremely glad and happy for their performance, however, challenged them to surpass the feats made by all of them in the coming year 2025 by being alive to their statutory duties and responsibilities as members of Osun State Executive Council.
Previously, the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House had declared Haastrup as the Owa-elect, as he received the most votes from the kingmakers during their selection process. This meeting took place at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat.
Prince Haastrup, who previously held the position of deputy governor in Osun State, was chosen through a competitive selection process at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday. He served as deputy governor from 1992 to 1993 under the late Isiaka Adeleke, the elder sibling of the current governor. Despite a court order still in effect, Haastrup triumphed in the selection carried out by the kingmakers. Earlier this month, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of the Osun State High Court had issued an injunction preventing Haastrup, Governor Adeleke, and other officials from moving forward with the election or appointment of a new Owa Obokun until a related lawsuit was settled.
Nonetheless, Isaac Haastrup, the Public Relations Officer for the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, announced on Friday that Prince Haastrup had been elected as the Owa-Obokun Ajimoko III and the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, outpacing nine other candidates.
Alimi’s statement also specified that Prince Haastrup’s appointment followed the passing of the former Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, on September 11, 2024. Similarly, Prince Abikoye’s appointment as Asaoni came after the death of Oba Tinuoye Atolagbe on November 19, 2023.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke congratulated both newly appointed monarchs and urged the communities to support their new leaders, emphasizing the importance of fostering peace and unity. It was noted that Haastrup, hailing from the Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, was elected during the kingmakers’ selection process at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday.
