There was a heavy security presence in Ilesa on Friday as former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, was named Owa-Obokun-elect from the Bilaro Ruling House.

The throne became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran in September 2024 after 42 years of reign. After his demise, the High Chiefs declared a mourning period, setting in motion the process of selecting a new king.

Earlier this month, Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of an Osun State High Court issued a restraining order preventing Prince Haastrup, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Attorney-General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, among others, from proceeding with the election or appointment of a new Owa-Obokun until a pending suit was resolved.

Despite the court order, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, who served as deputy governor to the late Isiaka Adeleke, the elder brother of the incumbent governor, emerged as the Owa-Obokun-elect.

In a statement issued on Friday, Isaac Haastrup, the Public Relations Officer of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, confirmed that Clement Adesuyi Haastrup had been elected as the Owa-Obokun Ajimoko III and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.

According to the release, “he defeated nine other candidates in a free and fair selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat along the Ilesa-Oshogbo motorway.

“The kingmakers included six Iwora mefa namely Obaala, High chief Ibitoye, Ogboni Ipole, Oba Omokehinde Oyeleye, Ogboni Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye (Elegboro), Ogboni Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro, Ogboni Ilesa High Chief Saka Fapohunda, Oba Odo of Ilesa, and seven agba Ijesa , Risawe of Ilesa. High Chief Adefioye Adedeji, Lejoka of Ilesa, High Chief Omoniyi Ojo, Lejofi, High Chief Adebusoye Onigbogi, Arapate of Ilesa and High Chief Oluwagbemiga Fadunsin Igbarool.

“Also, Loro of Ilesa, High Chief Lekan Folorunso, Odole of Ulesa, High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Abimbola Aluko (warrant officer representing the Saloro of ilesa whose stool is vacant).”

He said the Head of Local Government Administration in Ilesa West Local Government, Mrs Felicia Olabimtan announced that Looja Clement Adesuyi secured highest votes and emerged as the owa Obokun elect.

“She said six of the kingmakers voted, while High Chief Adefioye Adedeji was absent and 7 others were not eligible.”

Responding to the development, the Ogboni of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro said “I only voted, I don’t know the result.”

Meanwhile, there was heavy security presence in Ilesa township on Friday as Military operatives and others stood at strategic locations in the community.

The Osun State Government is yet to make official statement about the emergence of Owa Obokun designate as at the time of filing this report. (The Nation)