In a recent development concerning the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland in Osun State, the Ofokutu Royal Dynasty, one of the royal families in line for the throne, has raised concerns over the appointment of Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup. The chairman of the Ofokutu family, Prince Adebanji Obembe, criticized the selection process, stating that it was not acceptable. He emphasized that it was their family’s turn to present a candidate for the position, highlighting that other ruling houses have previously held the title.
Additionally, Princess Oluwatoyin Faloye from the same family expressed discontent with Haastrup’s installation, citing the requirement of a N10 million form for contestants and challenging Haastrup to undergo traditional rites if he truly meets the criteria.
The Ofokutu family claimed that the state disregarded a court order and proceeded with Haastrup’s installment, accusing the government of politicizing the royal succession. They stressed their commitment to upholding traditional customs and fairness, lamenting the erosion of cultural values and traditions due to political interference and neglect of heritage.
Responding to these allegations, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, refuted the claims, labeling them as misinformation and distortion of facts. Babatunde asserted that the state strictly followed the due process in selecting Haastrup as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, denying any political manipulation in the procedure and clarifying that a previous court injunction had been overturned by the court.