The Arimoro Royal Family in Ijeshaland, Osun State, has strongly condemned the selection process of the Owa Obokun-elect, Prince Adesuyi Hasstrup, describing it as a “charade, breach of the established Ijesha tradition, and gross abuse of judicial process”.
The family’s rejection comes after the kingmakers elected Hasstrup, who hails from the Ajimoko Royal Family, at a meeting held at the Ilesa West Local Government Secretariat on Friday. The selection was subsequently approved by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
According to the Arimoro Royal Family, the selection process was marred by several irregularities, including:
Disregard for Court Order*: The Ilesha High Court had restrained the Ijesha Kingmakers, the Osun State Governor, and other groups from selecting a new Owa Obokun pending the determination of a substantive suit.
Non-Adherence to Tradition*: The selection process did not involve the Ifa Oracle, a crucial part of the traditional process.
Lack of Transparency*: Only five out of 13 kingmakers voted to select the new Owa Obokun.
Unholy Alliance*: The speedy approval of Hasstrup by Governor Adeleke suggests an unholy alliance between some Ijesha kingmakers and the state government.
The Arimoro Royal Family has threatened to take legal action to nullify the selection, calling on all Ijesha indigenes to stand against the imposition of the new Owa and defend their heritage.
