An Osun State High Court sitting in Ilesa has declined to halt the planned coronation of the new Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025.
The legal challenge, instituted by the Arimoro family of the Bilaro-Oluodo Ruling House, sought an interlocutory injunction to stop the coronation. However, Justice M. Agboola ruled on Thursday that the court could not proceed with the application until issues surrounding the service of court documents on the first respondent, Oba Haastrup, are resolved.
The suit, marked HL/8/25, lists the monarch, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dosu Babatunde, the Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, and Ilesa kingmakers as defendants.
During proceedings, the claimant’s counsel, Oyebola Odeleye, argued that the application to halt the coronation was ripe for hearing. But Chief State Counsel, Muyiwa Ogunleye, representing Governor Adeleke and the commissioners, highlighted an application filed by Oba Haastrup’s counsel, Oluwasesan Dada, who sought to set aside the court’s process on the grounds of improper service.
Ogunleye informed the court that Dada, who was absent with prior permission due to a case at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, claimed his client was already in seclusion and could not be served at the time the claimant alleged.
In a firm ruling, Justice Agboola said, “It’s so sad that these pleadings were extended over four months instead of 60 days. Both parties have not been serious about the case. However, until the pending application has been addressed, it will be unwise for the court to grant the interlocutory injunction.”
The matter has now been adjourned till July 3, 2025, for hearing of all pending applications.
Meanwhile, as preparations for the coronation intensify, security agencies in Osun have assured the public of their readiness. Both the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have deployed officers to ensure safety and order.
In a statement issued by NSCDC spokesperson Kehinde Adeleke, the corps said it had mobilised substantial personnel to monitor the event and provide adequate security.
“The command under the leadership of Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo is working closely with sister agencies to ensure a comprehensive security arrangement for the coronation of the Owa Obokun Adimula, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup,” she said.
The statement further added, “NSCDC patrol teams are already on ground, maintaining a visible presence to deter potential security threats. We urge individuals with criminal intentions to steer clear of the event or face the full wrath of the law.”
In a related development, the FRSC said it had taken measures to facilitate smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement in and around the venue.
Speaking on the agency’s role, Osun Sector Public Education Officer, Agnes Ogungbemi, said, “Our personnel have been strategically deployed around the Obokungbusi Hall and Ilesa Grammar School premises, the two major venues of the ceremony, to ensure traffic control and public safety.”
