The coronation ceremony of Oba Clement Haastrup as the Owa Obokun Adimula and the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland was held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Owa’s Palace in Ilesa, Osun State.

The event, which began with a ceremonial procession at the palace, drew a large turnout of residents who came out in their numbers to celebrate the enthronement of their new monarch. The ceremony also had in attendance some of Nigeria’s top government officials, traditional rulers, and prominent social figures.

While addressing guests, the newly crowned monarch expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him. He also promised to use his time on the throne to usher in the much-needed development across communities in Ilesa and Ijeshaland. He noted that many of the people in Ijesha are farmers and that the region is rich in mineral resources such as gold.

He said, “As part of my cardinal agenda for the development of Ijeshaland, we will embark on an agricultural project aimed at strategically tackling unemployment among our able and qualified young men.”

He went further to donate N1bn to the Owa Obokun Development Agenda, while other indigenes pledged an additional N500m in support. This was even as he launched a N5bn appeal fund for the project.

President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, used the occasion to announce the planned rehabilitation of the Ibadan-Ilesa Expressway during his speech.

Oyetola said, “I’m happy to inform His Imperial Majesty that the President has directed the release of intervention funds for the repair of the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road. As we celebrate our new monarch, let us remember that cultural diversity isn’t a burden but a strength that enriches our national identity.”

Guests were treated to musical performances by popular juju singer Ebenezer Obey and his band; as well as Queen Ayo Balogun, who serenaded the hall with melodies that had attendees dancing to the rhythm.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke; Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; former Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro; and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Sinatu Ojikutu.

Others included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi; and the Iyalaje Oodua of Yoruba Land, Toyin Kolade, among others.

Oba Clement Haastrup succeeded Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, who passed away on September 11, 2024.