Two royal families in Ilesa town comprising Ofokutu and Fajemisin of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House have rejected the selection of former Osun State Deputy Governor, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, as the new Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land.
Penpushing reports that the royal families have therefore, while protesting called for review of the selection process to uphold the integrity of the Ijesa tradition, stressing that the process was flagrant disregard of an existing court case.
The Ofokutu royal family, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Prince Adetoyese Adegbohungbe, expressed displeasure over the process, arguing and pointing out that it was blatant disregard for the most sacred tradition of selecting the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland.
“We have witnessed not just compromise, but the desecration of the noble tradition of the Ijesa, with the blatant disregard for the most sacred tradition of selecting the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland’, Ofokutu royal family declared
“We the members of Ofokutu Royal Family were shocked to be informed that a new Owa was selected in what can only be described as an afront to the age-old tradition. The process is flagrant disregard of an existing court case’, the statement added.
Penpushing further reports that in similar vein, Fajemisin family in a release signed by Olufemi Fajemisin on behalf of the family berated the local and state governments, declaring that the selection process was inherently flawed, adding that 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. We will pursue all available legal means to defend our rights and restore the honor and pride of the Ijesa people.”
Penpushing also reports that the two families dissociated themselves from the process and the new monarch, noting that it is a taboo, that he was imposed on the ancient community and vowed to pursue every legal means to defend the rights of the Ijesa.
Meanwhile, it is recalled that Haastrup was declared the Owa-Obokun on Friday after defeating nine other contenders, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently approved his appointment.
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