Ijesaland Set For 10-Day Coronation Festivities As Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ascends Throne

The Palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland has unveiled a 10-day coronation program to celebrate the ascension of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as the 41st Owa of Ijesaland.

The announcement was made in a statement released by Chief Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee for the coronation. According to him, the events, deeply rooted in cultural tradition and royal dignity, will commence on May 16, 2025, and culminate in a grand coronation ceremony on May 23, 2025.

A Royal Calendar of Events

The coronation festivities are designed to reflect the rich heritage, spiritual depth, and communal unity of Ijesaland. Here are the key highlights:

• May 16: The ceremonies begin with a special Jumat service at Ilesa Central Mosque at 1:00 PM.
• May 17: A vibrant cultural celebration will unfold at the newly refurbished Obokungbusi Hall from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The day concludes with Isese Night, a traditional spiritual observance at the palace courtyard at 9:00 PM.
• May 19: The new monarch will embark on royal visits to various Ijesa zones from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• May 20: Sports take center stage with the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon starting at 7:00 AM, followed by the coronation football tournament finale and medal presentations at the Ilesa Grammar School Sports Arena by 10:00 AM.
• May 21: Acts of charity will mark the day with visits to orphanages across Ilesa starting at 10:00 AM. Later, the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum will host a documentary screening and workshop at the University of Ilesa.
• May 22: The Ajimoko III Coronation Golf Kitty tees off at 8:00 AM. A symposium and scholarship/empowerment initiative organized by the Ajimoko III Foundation follows at the Royal Park International Hotel and Resort, Iloko-Ijesa.
• May 23: The grand coronation ceremony will take place at the Owa’s Palace from 10:00 AM, followed by a majestic reception at Ilesa Grammar School by 1:00 PM.
• May 25: Celebrations will wrap up with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, at 10:00 AM.

A Monarch of Distinction

Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, a revered statesman and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, was officially declared successor to the late monarch, His Imperial Majesty Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, on December 27, 2024. Beyond his political credentials, the new king is a prominent business magnate whose leadership is expected to usher in a new era of progress and unity for Ijesaland.

The meticulously planned coronation not only honours tradition but also signals a renewed vision for the cultural and economic future of Ijesaland under the Ajimoko III reign.