A former Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has been officially crowned the 49th Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
The colourful coronation ceremony was the highlight of a week-long series of royal, cultural, sporting, and humanitarian activities that began on May 16, 2025.
Owa Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and billionaire business magnate, succeeds the late Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, bringing to the revered throne a blend of regal tradition and modern leadership experience.
The grand coronation ceremony, held at the Owa’s Palace in Ilesa, commenced amid tight security and jubilant crowds. Dressed in resplendent traditional regalia befitting his new status, the Owa was adorned with the sacred paraphernalia of royalty in a ritual steeped in age-old customs and symbolism, formally assuming his role as the spiritual and political leader of Ijesaland.
The event attracted a distinguished roll call of national leaders, royal fathers, and eminent personalities. Among those in attendance were Nigeria’s former Vice Presidents, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Architect Namadi Sambo; former Osun State Governors, Rauf Aregbesola (also a former Minister of Interior) and Adegboyega Oyetola (current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy); business magnate and philanthropist Dr. Deji Adeleke; the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; the revered Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; and the Soun of Ogbomoso and other notable others.
Also present were royal fathers, diplomats, captains of industry, academics, traditionalists, cultural groups, and thousands of jubilant Ijesa indigenes and well-wishers who converged on Ilesa for the historic occasion.
The celebration moved to Ilesa Grammar School grounds, where a lavish coronation reception was hosted.
The venue, adorned in the colours and emblems of Ijesa royalty, came alive with carnival-like fanfare, musical performances, dance troupes, and cultural displays showcasing the rich heritage of the Ijesa people.
Guests were treated to a feast of traditional cuisine, while the atmosphere echoed with goodwill messages, speeches, and tributes to the legacy of the Owa throne and the leadership promise of the new monarch.
The coronation ceremony capped a meticulously planned 10-day programme that included a Jumat prayer, cultural displays, Isese Night, royal visits, sporting events, charity outreach to orphanages, a symposium and scholarship presentation, and interdenominational thanksgiving services—each event drawing participation from across the Ijesa zones and beyond.
The new monarch, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, in his coronation remarks, pledged to prioritize the unity, development, and cultural renaissance of Ijesaland. “Today is not only a personal milestone but a historic moment for our people. I am deeply humbled and ready to serve with wisdom, fairness, and vision,” he stated.
As the sun set over Ilesa, the echoes of royal drums and the joy of thousands signalled not just the end of a coronation, but the dawn of a new chapter in Ijesaland’s storied history. The ascension of Owa Ajimoko III, a monarch rooted in tradition yet attuned to modern realities, promises renewed hope and transformative leadership for the people of Ijesa.
The coronation week will be officially concluded with an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 25, at Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa.
PRESIDENT TINUBU HAILS NEW KING OF IJESHALAND, OBA ADESUYI HAASTRUP
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated prominent businessman Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup (Ajimoko III) on his coronation Friday in Ilesa, Osun State, as the new Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijeshaland.
Oba Haastrup was a former politician and deputy governor of the state. He later went into business and real estate development.
President Tinubu affirmed that Oba Haastrup’s trajectory, marked by a successful transition from politics to business and now to culture and tradition, is a testament to his leadership abilities, character, and commitment to our traditional institutions.
According to President Tinubu, Oba Haastrup’s pedigree has rekindled his confidence that he will record an even greater success now that he is on the throne of his forebears.
President Tinubu urged Oba Haastrup to continue upholding the values of our tradition and promoting unity and harmony in Ijeshaland, Osun State, and Nigeria.
The President wished the new traditional ruler divine guidance and wisdom on the throne, praying that the legacy of his forebears continues to shine through his reign.
ATIKU VISITS OSUN FOR CORONATION OF NEW MONARCH OF IJESHALAND
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday attended the coronation ceremony of the new Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, HRH Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III.
The former Vice President, who is also Atayese of Ijeshaland, was accompanied by his wife, Hajjia Titi Abubakar, who hails from Ilesha township, and former Vice President Namadi Sambo, among many other associates.
Earlier before the coronation ceremony, Atiku paid a courtesy visit to the residence of the former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
After the visit, both Atiku and Aregbesola rode to the reception venue of the coronation ceremony, where they were greeted by a large crowd of supporters.
The coronation ceremony of Oba Haastrup witnessed many dignitaries in attendance, with the new monarch appreciating all for turning up to a tumultuous ceremony.
Atiku Abubakar has since returned to Abuja.
