Eminent personalities and dignitaries from all walks of life, including politicians, traditional rulers, and captains of industries, on Friday converged on the historical city of Ilesa for the grand finale coronation ceremony of the 41st Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

Prominent Nigerians, who witnessed the epoch-making coronation, include President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

The list also includes the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Dr Deji Adeleke, the lawmaker representing Osun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Francis Fadahunsi.

Addressing the gathering, President Bola Tinubu, whose speech was delivered by Oyetola, charged traditional rulers to collaborate with the government at all levels to foster socioeconomic growth of the nation.

Describing the throne of the Owa Obokun as the sacred custodian of the values, aspirations, and spiritual heritage of the Ijesa people, Tinubu expressed optimism that under the reign of Oba Haastrup, the cultural splendour of the historical town will not only be preserved but elevated to new heights.

According to him, “as we move forward, I call for deeper collaboration between traditional authorities and government at all levels. Let us work hand in hand to confront the challenges that face our people and to deliver meaningful change — change that is visible in schools, in markets, on roads, and in the dignity of every citizen.
“In this light, I charge Your Majesty to continue to be a pillar of unity and a bridge between the past and the promise of tomorrow. Our nation yearns for peace, equity, and progress, and traditional rulers like yourself have a vital role to play in achieving this vision. May your palace be a sanctuary of justice, dialogue, and service.”

Also speaking, Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who promised to collaborate with Oba Haastrup on the infrastructural growth of Ilesa, described the new monarch as an epitome of loyalty and patriotism.

He stated, “I want to assure Kabiyesi that our administration is open to further Public Private Partnership in all areas. We are ready to collaborate with the new monarch for the development of Ijesaland.

“As we are developing Ijesaland, we are repeating similar feats at Ifeland, Osogboland, Iwoland, Igbomina land, and Edeland. Our government is spreading development to all corners of Osun State.”