The Ofokutu Royal Dynasty and the Ijesha People are taking Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to court over the installation of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland. The case had its first hearing before Justice Aderibigbe of the Osun State High Court, Ilesa Division, and has been adjourned to March 6 for further proceedings.
At the heart of the issue is the selection process, which the Chairman of Ofokutu royal family, Prince Adebanji Obembe, has strongly criticized. Obembe argues that the process was unjust, particularly given that Justice Aderibigbe had granted an interim order of injunction to the Ofokutu Royal Family, only to vacate it the next day. This, according to Obembe, is an aberration and illegality, as ex-parte injunctions cannot be vacated through another ex-parte motion.
The Ofokutu family claims that Governor Adeleke ignored a court injunction and proceeded with Haastrup’s installation, which they see as a politicization of the kingship. They argue that the Haastrup family, who had ruled twice in the past, illegally hijacked the throne using state apparatus.
The Ijesha people are calling for a king who is active, capable, and agile, someone who can travel, make prudent decisions, and foster new development and innovation in the community. They cite the example of the Oba of Ife, who is known for being active and traveling to deliberate with top officials for the benefit of his land.
The case highlights the tensions between traditional customs and modern politics, with the Ofokutu family insisting that the process undermined traditional customs and justice. The outcome of the case, scheduled to continue on March 6, will be closely watched by the Ijesha people and the wider community.
