The Ofokutu Royal Family of the Bilaro Ruling House in Ilesa, Osun State, has rejected the selection of former deputy governor, Loja Adesuyi Haastrup, as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
Haastrup, a member of the Ajimoko Royal Family within the same ruling house, was chosen by the kingmakers during a meeting held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday. His selection was later approved by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
However, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Prince Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, the Ofokutu Royal Family announced its intention to challenge the decision in court, describing the selection process as a violation of tradition.
The statement, made available to journalists, partly read:
“We, the members of the Ofokutu Royal Family, were shocked to learn of the selection of a new Owa in a manner that disregards the age-old traditions governing the emergence of the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.
“The Ofokutu Royal Family dissociates itself from this act, which we consider a taboo, and unequivocally rejects the purported Owa-elect and the flawed, illegal process through which he was selected.
“We regard this as an imposition and are committed to pursuing all legal means to ensure the rights of the Ijesa people are upheld, their traditions respected, and the dignity of our most revered Oba restored.”
The family called on stakeholders to prioritize fairness and adherence to traditional processes in selecting the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
