Fajemisin family reacts to appointment of Owa Obokun

The Fajemisin Royal Family has expressed strong opposition to the appointment of Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, accusing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration of disregarding sacred traditions and violating a court order.

In a statement issued by Ayinde Fatunga Fajemisin, the royal family criticized the process leading to Haastrup’s emergence, alleging irregularities, a lack of respect for traditional customs, and defiance of an Osun State High Court injunction. The injunction, filed under case number HIL/117/2024, had restrained the selection process following a lawsuit brought by Prince Debo Adeyemi and 10 others on behalf of the Ofokutu Royal Family of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House.

“The selection process was inherently flawed, and the imposition of a candidate without due regard for custom and law is utterly unacceptable,” the Fajemisin family declared in their statement.

The family condemned the disregard for the December 16, 2024, court order, which had legally paused all actions relating to the presentation, nomination, selection, and election of a new Owa. Despite the injunction, the family alleged that the kingmakers, local government, and state government proceeded with Haastrup’s appointment.

“This is becoming flagrantly contemptuous of law and order,” the statement read. “We categorically reject the purported Owa-elect and demand a transparent, lawful process that honors our customs and traditions. We call on all stakeholders to join us in upholding the integrity of our heritage and the rule of law.”

The royal family emphasized that two candidates from the Fajemisin lineage had adhered to the court’s injunction, only to witness what they described as a “broad daylight imposition” through a “man-know-man syndrome.”

The Fajemisin family vowed to pursue legal redress to ensure that justice prevails and urged Ijesa citizens to stand against what they termed the erosion of their cultural heritage.