Preparations have reached a crescendo in Ijesaland as the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has been officially scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025.
The historic event, which will mark the formal enthronement of the 49th Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, will climax a 10-day celebration of culture, tradition, and royalty.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Chief Shola Oshunkeye, Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the Coronation Committee, who revealed that the series of events will commence on Friday, May 16, 2025, and culminate in what has been described as a coronation ceremony of rare grandeur.
According to Chief Oshunkeye, “This is not just a coronation; it is a celebration of Ijesa identity, tradition and unity. His Imperial Majesty, Owa Ajimoko III, represents a new chapter in our history, and Ijesaland is ready to celebrate him in a truly magnificent way.”
The coronation ceremony itself will take place at the Owa’s Palace by 10 a.m. on Friday, May 23, followed by a lavish reception at 1 p.m. at the Ilesa Grammar School.
The event is expected to attract top dignitaries, traditional rulers, political leaders, and culture enthusiasts from far and wide.
“A once-in-a-lifetime royal reception awaits our guests,” the statement added. “We’re showcasing the very best of Ijesa hospitality and cultural splendour.”
The entire festivities will be anchored in Ilesa, the cultural and spiritual heartbeat of Ijesaland. Activities begin with a special Jumat Service on Friday, May 16, at the Ilesa Central Mosque by 1 p.m.
The following day, Saturday, May 17, will feature a cultural celebration at the refurbished Obokungbusi Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by an Isese Night of deep traditional rites at the palace courtyard beginning at 9 p.m.
Royal visits to Ijesa zones are scheduled for Monday, May 19, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., while Tuesday, May 20, will host the Owa Ajimoko III Ijesa Marathon from 7 a.m. and the final of the coronation football competition, including medal and award presentations, by 10 a.m. at Ilesa Grammar School Sports Arena.
On Wednesday, May 21, charitable outreach to orphanages in and around Ilesa will take place from 10 a.m., and later in the day, a video documentary and workshop organized by the Ijesa Mineral Resources Development Forum (IMRDF) will hold at the University of Ilesa.
The spotlight will return to sports and empowerment on Thursday, May 22, with the Ajimoko III Coronation Golf Kitty at 8 a.m., and a symposium alongside the launch of the Ajimoko III Foundation’s scholarship and empowerment programme at Royal Park International Hotel & Resort, Iloko-Ijesa, from 11 a.m.
The grand finale — the coronation proper on Friday, May 23 — will, according to the committee, reflect the full grandeur of Ijesa heritage.
“The entire kingdom will rise in celebration,” Chief Oshunkeye stated. “It will be a blend of royal majesty, cultural brilliance, and community pride.”
To round off the events, an interdenominational thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, May 25, at the Methodist Church, Otapete, Ilesa, by 10 a.m.
