The ancient city of Ilesa, Osun State, was on Friday aglow with colour and culture as eminent Nigerians, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, gathered to witness the official coronation of Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as the new Owa Obokun and paramount ruler of Ijesaland.
The high-profile event, held at the Ilesa Town Hall and Palace Square, saw a large turnout of traditional rulers, political leaders, Ijesa sons and daughters, and cultural enthusiasts in celebration of a new era for the ancient kingdom.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, handed over the staff of office to Oba Haastrup, describing the ceremony as “a reaffirmation of centuries of tradition, wisdom, and dignity that define the soul of Ijesaland.”
He charged the new monarch to serve as a unifying figure for the Ijesa people and to continue preserving the rich Yoruba heritage.
“Our nation yearns for peace, equity, and progress, and traditional rulers like yourself have a vital role to play in achieving this vision,” Oyetola said. He also announced President Tinubu’s directive for the release of intervention funds to rehabilitate the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa expressway, a key economic artery in the region.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who also spoke at the event, praised Oba Haastrup as a philanthropist and statesman committed to the welfare of his people. He assured Ijesaland of his administration’s readiness to partner with the monarch to foster development and cultural renaissance.
