Owa Obokun throne: Let’s close ranks, support Oba Adesuyi Haarstrup — Contestant

One of the princes who contested for the throne of Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Prince Alexander Adewale Haarstrup, has called on other princes and his co-contestants to come together and support Oba Clement Adesuyi Haarstrup who has been announced as the new Owa by the Osun State government.

Prince Haarstrup, in a statement he made available to newsmen, said with the announcement by the government, it was time to close ranks and rally around and support the new Owa, Oba Clement Haarstrup, for the sake of Ijesaland.

Haarstrup, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, said with the conclusion of the race to the throne, “as contestants, our feelings may be different, but, I feel it is imperative that we come together, close ranks and rally round the new Owa, offering him our support, guidance, and expertise whenever necessary.”

According to Prince Haarstrup in the statement entitled: “Owa Obokun of Ijesaland Throne: My Stand”, the formal announcement and confirmation of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland by the Government of Osun State “has brought to a close the race to the coveted throne” and therefore, it was time to bring closure to the race.

“By doing so,” he added, “we can ensure that his reign is marked by peace, unity and development. Our Owa deserves all the support we can give to him and by extension, to our dear Ijesaland.”

He said: “As one of the contestants, a younger brother to the new Owa and a true Son of the late Owa Ajimoko from the Bilaro Ruling House of the Owa Obokun Dynasty, it was a contest I saw as desirable, healthy and one which brought out the best in various candidates from Bilaro Ruling House which presented able Princes that vied for the throne.

“The contest was really worth it because the ancient, highly revered Owa Obokun throne deserves the very best.

“All thanks be to God for His quick intervention, a new Owa Obokun announced and symbols of authority handed over to the Owa elected by the Osun State Government, represented by Governor of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“I therefore congratulate the 41 Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the Ajimoko III and wish him and Ijesaland well. Be assured of my unfettered loyalty and support to the success of your reign as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

“As Princes, sons and daughters of Ijesaland, it might be awkward and hard to swallow, but we must rise for our land of birth.

“For all aggrieved family members and other contestants, I appeal that we should please put aside our differences and move forward from, and beyond the contest for the sake of God, Ijesaland, our children and coming generations.

“Also, Princes, we have proven our princely pedigrees by the maturity exhibited during and after the entire process. I heartily commend this and strongly hope that this will be sustained even if we have misgivings against the contest.

“Once again, I congratulate the new Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, the Ajimoko III and wish him a peaceful, long and glorious reign.”

Following the passage of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran on 11 September 2024, the state government announced the selection of a former deputy governor of the state, Clement Adesuyi Haarstrup, as his replacement on 27 December 2024, and gave him a staff of office and instrument of authority on 29 December 2024.

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