The selection procedure for Prince Adesuyi Hasstrup, the Owa Obokun-elect, was criticised by the Arimoro Royal Family in Ijeshaland, Osun State, on Friday, December 27, calling it “a charade, breach of the established Ijesha tradition, and gross abuse of judicial process.”
Haastrup, a member of the Ajimoko Royal Family, was chosen by the kingmakers during a meeting on Friday at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat in Ilesa.
Ademola Adeleke, the governor of the state, later accepted his selection.
Prince Adegoke Arimoro, the Arimoro Royal Family’s Global Coordinator, issued a statement on Saturday in which the family rejected the selection process and threatened legal action.
The statement read, “A group of Kingmakers reportedly held a closed-door meeting at the Local Government Secretariat, Ilesha, on Friday, where only five out of 13 Kingmakers voted to select a new Owa Obokun with a combined team of fully armed policemen, soldiers, and Amotekuns—the local security agents. This was despite the order of the Ilesha High Court, which prohibited the Ijesha Kingmakers, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and any other group from choosing Owa Obokun until the outcome of a substantive suit against Haastrup.”
“The action of Ijesha kingmakers and the Osun State government in selecting the new Owa was described as ignoble and sacrilegious, calling on all Ijesha indigenes, both domestically and abroad, to stand against the imposition of the new Owa and defend the dignity, respect, and integrity of their heritage.”
The family claimed that the process that resulted in the shocking announcement of Owa Obokun was a flagrant violation of due process because some kingmakers had forced a compromised candidate on the people of Ijesha land. As a result, the family rejected the alleged Owa Obokun and used legal means to ensure that the selection was void.
“Impunity is visible in plenty. Finally, the Ljesa Royal tradition has been thrown to the dogs by the Osun State administration and her operatives. When did the Local Government Secretariat start requiring a vote to choose Owa Obokun? The first-ever installation of a new Owa is a rape of the Ijesa Royal custom. Where is this impunity-supporting gazette? Those who participated in the destruction of our customs, including some Kingmakers and state government officials, will soon come to see that it was a terrible mistake.
“It is evident that the final word on this matter has not yet been heard. The crown will undoubtedly be worn by one individual. However, the consequences will teach you a valuable lesson, so don’t go this shameful path.”
Arimoro enumerated several “abuses” in the selection process, which include a N10 million development levy on the aspirants, against which the Bilaro family sought clarification and reduction and was never responded to; non-adherence to the involvement of the Ifa Oracle; five out of thirteen Afobajes decided the fate of the new Owa; no respect for the Dynasty of the moment; and the subsisting court order on the selection of the new Owa Obokun.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke‘s swift acceptance of Clement Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun-elect was evidence of the unholy connection between the state government and some Ijesha kingmakers.”
Prince Michael Adewale (KMA), the Arimoro family’s candidate for the Owa Obokun stool, was announced just hours before Haaatrup was chosen as the Owa Obokun elect.
“We find ourselves at a crossroads; one path leads us towards compliance with the judiciary and our traditional values, while the other tempts us into silence and complicity,” Arimoro said at a press conference in Ilesa.
“We must make an informed decision. I urge all parties involved to carefully consider the effects of their choices and to keep in mind that respect for custom and the opinions of the people are the foundations of true leadership.
“As our last hope, we must unite behind our justice system. It is our responsibility to promote an open and legal procedure that respects our traditions and enables the legitimate choosing of our next Owa Obokun through the esteemed channels of Ifa.
“When Owa from a certain lineage is installed in a ruling house three times in a row, the others are pushed to the background. To preserve Ifa’s sacredness, safeguard our legacy, and guarantee that justice is served, we must band together. By working together, we can cultivate an environment in our community that values honesty, respect, and peace.”
