Following Friday’s appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, the Fajemisin Royal family, yesterday tackled Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing his government of compromising sacred tradition of the ancient town and disrespecting a court order.
It also vowed to challenge the action, describing the development as a contempt of court, citing a restraining order against the selection process granted by an Osun State High Court, sitting in Ilesa.
Haastrup’s appointment came amid a subsisting court named , HIL/117/2024, and filed by Prince Debo Adeyemi and 10 others on behalf of members of the Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.
However, a statement signed on behalf of Fajemisin royal family by Ayinde Fatunga Fajemisin, which was obtained by The Guardian, condemned the selection and election processes that led to the emergence of Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as Owa-elect. It alleged irregularities, blatant disregard for traditional customs and flagrant disobedience for the judiciary.
The royal family also vouched a redress from a competent court of jurisdiction, just as they called on Ijesas to rise up against what it termed, “a broad daylight imposition and man-know-man syndrome being imported into selection of new Owa.”
The statement added: “The selection process was inherently flawed, and the imposition of a candidate without due regard for custom and law is utterly unacceptable.
“We categorically reject the purported Owa-elect and demand a transparent, lawful process that honours our customs and traditions. We call on all stakeholders to join us in upholding the integrity of our heritage, and the rule of law.
“The Fajemisin family has two Owaship candidates that obeyed the Osun State High Court injunction of the 16th December 2024, which legally paused the presentation, nomination, selection and election of a new Owa, only to observe the kingmakers, local government and state government steaming ahead to appoint a new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.
“This is becoming flagrantly contemptuous of law and order.”
