The historic city of Ilesa in Osun State was agog with excitement on Friday as top dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to witness the coronation of Oba Clement Adesuyi Hastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, were among the high-profile guests in attendance.
Others at the royal event included the former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams; billionaire businessman Dr. Adedeji Adeleke; and a host of traditional rulers, political leaders, and captains of industry.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Minister Oyetola, congratulated the new monarch and called for stronger synergy between government institutions and traditional rulers in addressing national challenges.
“Let us work hand in hand to confront the challenges that face our people and deliver meaningful change — change that is visible in schools, in markets, on roads, and in the dignity of every citizen,” Tinubu stated.
He encouraged Oba Hastrup to be “a bridge between the past and the promise of tomorrow,” adding that traditional rulers remain crucial to peacebuilding and grassroots development.
“Our nation yearns for peace, equity, and progress, and traditional rulers like yourself have a vital role to play in achieving this vision. May your palace be a sanctuary of justice, dialogue, and service,” he said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, in his remarks, congratulated the newly installed monarch and assured him of continued government support through public-private partnerships for the advancement of Ijesaland.
“I reaffirm the commitment of our administration to the overall development of Ijesaland in line with our promise. Ilesa is now a university town, with over 50 accredited courses,” the governor said.
He also announced: “The General Hospital, Ilesa has now been approved as the Teaching Hospital for the University of Ilesa, which will transform the city into a medical excellence hub.”
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure efforts, Adeleke noted, “We are focused on the upgrading of Ilesa to a modern city. The over 12-kilometre Ereja Square to Brewery Junction dual carriageway is almost completed. For the first time, this landmark project is opening up Ilesa for business and pleasure.”
