The Ofokutu Royal Family from the Bilaro Ruling House in Ilesa, Osun State, has voiced its disapproval of the appointment of Clement Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of the state, as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. Haastrup, who is affiliated with the Ajimoko Royal Family, was chosen during a meeting held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday, and the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, later endorsed this decision.

On Saturday, the Ofokutu Royal Family issued a statement, signed by their Secretary, Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, indicating their intention to seek legal recourse regarding this issue. They described Haastrup’s selection as an “imposition.”

The statement expressed their surprise at the announcement of a new Owa, which they deemed a violation of the longstanding traditions governing the selection of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. It read in part, “We, the members of the Ofokutu Royal Family, were taken aback to learn that a new Owa has been chosen, which can only be viewed as an affront to our time-honored customs.”

The family declared their disassociation from this decision, labeling the process as flawed and illegal, and asserted their commitment to utilizing all available legal avenues to uphold the traditional rights of the Ijesa people in selecting their esteemed Oba, aiming to restore the dignity and honor of their community.