Osun High Court Declines to Halt Owa Obokun Coronation Amid Legal Dispute

The much-anticipated coronation of Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland is set to go ahead today in Ilesa, Osun State, following a judicial decision that refused to halt the traditional ceremony. This development emerged from the Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa, where Justice M. Agboola ruled that procedural issues relating to the proper service of court documents must be resolved before any injunction could be granted.

The legal battle was initiated by the Arimoro family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House, who are challenging the legitimacy of Oba Haastrup’s selection. They filed a suit—number HL/8/25—naming the monarch-designate, Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Dosu Babatunde, Attorney General Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and the Ilesa kingmakers as respondents.

Queen Omolara Haastrup Pledges Women’s Empowerment In Ijesaland

At Thursday’s court proceedings, counsel for the claimant, Oyebola Odeleye, urged the court to hear an application seeking to stop the coronation. However, this move was contested by Chief State Counsel Muyiwa Ogunleye, who represented Governor Adeleke and the other state officials joined in the suit.

Ogunleye brought to the court’s attention a counter-application filed by Oluwasesan Dada, the legal representative of Oba Haastrup, who sought to nullify the service of the court documents. Dada claimed his client was already in seclusion for traditional rites and, therefore, could not have been properly served with the court process.

Due to Dada’s absence at the proceedings—excused by his appearance at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan—the court agreed that the issue of proper service must be clarified before any interlocutory motion could proceed.

Justice Agboola, in his ruling, stated, “It’s so sad that these pleadings were extended over four months instead of 60 days. Both parties have not been serious about the case. However, until the pending application has been addressed, it will be unwise for the court to grant the interlocutory injunction.” The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 3 for the hearing of all pending applications.

Heightened Security for Coronation Ceremony

As legal proceedings unfold, the coronation ceremony continues as planned with heightened security measures in place. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has deployed significant personnel to ensure safety and orderliness.

The event will be held at the historic Obokungbusi Hall in Ilesa, with a grand reception scheduled at the Ilesa Grammar School premises. Dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria are expected to grace the occasion, marking the beginning of Oba Haastrup’s reign.

In a statement, NSCDC spokesperson Kehinde Adeleke emphasized the agency’s commitment to a secure event. “The command under the leadership of Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo is working closely with other sister agencies to ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the coronation,” she said.

“NSCDC patrol teams are already on the ground, maintaining a visible presence to deter potential security threats,” the statement added. The command urged attendees to cooperate with security personnel to facilitate a smooth and peaceful ceremony.

FRSC Facilitates Free Flow of Traffic

To support the logistics of the high-profile event, the Osun State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps has stationed officers along strategic routes leading to the venues. According to the FRSC’s Public Education Officer, Agnes Ogungbemi, the goal is to ensure seamless vehicular and pedestrian movements during the ceremonies.

“We have mobilized our personnel to manage traffic around the event locations and ensure there are no bottlenecks that could disrupt the celebration,” Ogungbemi noted.

Despite the unresolved legal questions surrounding Oba Haastrup’s ascension, the traditional and administrative machinery in Ijesaland is moving forward with the coronation. While the court awaits clarity on procedural matters, the people of Ijesaland are poised to witness a significant historical event, ushering in a new era under their newly installed monarch.