Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Coronation Ceremony For 49th Owa Obokun Of Ijesaland Begins May 16

The ancient city of Ilesa in Osun State is set to witness a grand display of cultural heritage, coronation, royal pageantry, and community spirit as it hosts the coronation of the 49th Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. According to a statement released by the palace on Thursday, the week-long celebrations will commence on May 16, 2025, and culminate with the official coronation on Friday, May 23, 2025.

Chief Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Coronation Committee, announced that the ceremonies would not only mark the ascension of the former Osun State deputy governor to the revered royal seat but would also serve as a unique opportunity to showcase the rich culture and tradition of Ijesaland to the world.

“All events will hold in Ilesa, the capital and heartland of Ijesaland,” the statement read. “Strong indications have already emerged that the epoch would be an iconic representation of royal pageantry rarely witnessed in this clime.”

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A Rich Tapestry of Events

The coronation festivities will kick off with a Jumat Service at the Ilesa Central Mosque at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 16. The following day, Saturday, May 17, will feature a grand cultural celebration at the Obokungbusi Hall, where traditional dancers, drummers, and cultural troupes will showcase the vibrant heritage of Ijesaland. Later that evening, the palace courtyard will host an Isese Night, a deeply spiritual and cultural evening of ancestral worship and celebration.

Monday, May 19, will be dedicated to a royal tour of the Ijesa zones, where Oba Haastrup will pay homage to various communities across the region from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., reinforcing his connection with the grassroots and the people of Ijesaland.

On Tuesday, May 20, sporting activities will take center stage, beginning with the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon at 7 a.m.. The day will also feature the final match of the coronation football competition and a medal and awards ceremony at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports Arena, starting from 10 a.m.

Charity, Knowledge, and Legacy

Continuing the celebration with acts of benevolence, Wednesday, May 21, will see visits to orphanages in and around Ilesa, where royal aides and dignitaries will engage in charitable giving, offering gifts and support to vulnerable children in the community.

Later that day, the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF) will host a video documentary screening and workshop at the University of Ilesa, offering insights into the natural wealth and developmental plans for the region.

The events on Thursday, May 22, will open with a golf kitty, providing a networking opportunity for guests and dignitaries, followed by a symposium at Royal Park International Hotel, Iloko-Ijesa. A key highlight of the day will be the official unveiling of the Ajimoko III Foundation Scholarship and Empowerment Scheme, aimed at fostering education and youth development across Ijesaland.

The Grand Coronation Ceremony

The week of festivities will reach its climax on Friday, May 23, with the official coronation ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Owa’s Palace in Ilesa. Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup will be formally presented with the staff of office, marking the beginning of his reign as the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. Following the ceremony, a grand reception will be held at the Ilesa Grammar School grounds at 1 p.m., where dignitaries from across Nigeria are expected to gather in celebration.

Among the anticipated attendees are traditional rulers, government officials, cultural custodians, and members of the diplomatic corps, making it one of the most distinguished gatherings in Osun State in recent years.

A Fitting Conclusion

The coronation celebrations will come to a reverent close on Sunday, May 25, with a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa. This service will serve as a spiritual seal of gratitude and dedication for Oba Haastrup and the entire Ijesa community as they begin a new chapter under his leadership.

The coronation of Oba Haastrup is not only a significant milestone for Ijesaland but also a celebration of tradition, leadership, and unity. As the community prepares for this historic event, expectations are high that the coronation will reflect the values of heritage, dignity, and progressive leadership that Ijesaland is known for.