By : Timothy Agbor, Osogbo
Date: 1 May 2025
The Palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland has announced a series of activities that will culminate in the coronation of Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, as the 49th monarch of the Kingdom.
Haastrup, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State and billionaire business mogul, was named as successor to the departed Owa, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, on Friday, December 27, 2024.
In a statement issued by Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, the coronation committee has planned a 10-day programme of activities that will start on Friday, May 16, and hit a crescendo with the coronation of the new Owa on Friday, May 23, 2025.
The statement disclosed that all events will hold in Ilesa, the capital and heartland of Ijesaland, where strong indications have already emerged that the ceremony would be “an iconic representation of royal pageantry rarely witnessed in this clime.”
The statement read, “The epoch kicks off on Friday, May 16, 2025, with a special Jumat Service at Ilesa Central Mosque starting from 1 p.m., while cultural celebration holds on Saturday, May 17th, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the newly refurbished Obokungbusi Hall. From 9 p.m. of the same day, culture and tradition take the centre stage with a grand Isese night holding at the palace courtyard.
“On Monday, May 19, 2025, there will be royal visits to Ijesa zones between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., while on Tuesday, May 20, the grand finale of the coronation sporting activities will begin with the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon starting at 7 a.m.
“Wednesday, May 21, 2025, would be the turn of the various orphanages in and around Ilesa to have their fair share of the celebrations with visits and charity by eminent persons, starting from 10 o’clock in the morning. The day continues with a video documentary and workshop by Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF), scheduled for p.m. at the University of Ilesa.
“Sports take the centre stage again on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with the Ajimoko III Coronation Golf Kitty starting at 8 a.m. The train moves to the Royal Park International Hotel & Resort, Iloko-Ijesa, where a symposium and Ajimoko III Foundation’s scholarship and empowerment scheme comes up at 11 in the morning.
“At 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, the grand coronation train finally reaches its destination—the Owa’s Palace—as His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, is formally crowned as the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland with all the pomp and pageantry that Ijesas could muster.
“At 1 p.m., a never-seen-before coronation reception will come up at Ilesa Grammar School with dignitaries and VVIPs treated to the best of Ijesa hospitality and carnival-like entertainment that would be the talk of the town for a long time to come.
“The week-long activities will be rounded off on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, by 10 a.m.”
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