Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, has been named the Owa-Obokun-elect from the Bilaro Ruling House. This development comes after the throne was left vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran in September 2024, after a remarkable 42-year reign. The High Chiefs subsequently declared a mourning period, paving the way for the selection of a new king.
In a surprising turn of events, Haastrup’s emergence as the Owa-Obokun-elect occurred despite a court order restraining him, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and other officials from proceeding with the election or appointment of a new Owa-Obokun until a pending suit was resolved. Issued by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe of an Osun State High Court earlier this month, the order seems to have been disregarded.
According to Isaac Haastrup, the Public Relations Officer of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House, Haastrup defeated nine other candidates in a free and fair selection process held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat. The kingmakers involved in the process included six Iwora mefa and seven agba Ijesa, highlighting the thoroughness of the selection process.
The announcement of Haastrup’s emergence as the Owa-Obokun-elect was met with a heavy security presence in Ilesa township, with military operatives and others stationed at strategic locations. While the Osun State Government is yet to make an official statement on the matter, the development is likely to have significant implications for the region.
It is worth noting that the Integrity Caucus of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House had earlier appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke not to be partisan in the selection of a new Owa-Obokun ¹. The court order issued earlier this month had also aimed to prevent any undue influence in the selection process.